By Israel Adamu, Jos
The North Central Equity and Justice Coalition has accused the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, of nepotism, claiming he has favored his Tiv tribesmen in key appointments at the expense of the wider North Central region.
In an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a copy of which was obtained by our correspondent in Jos, the group, led by former Plateau State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Dan Manjang, expressed concern that Akume had limited his appointments mainly to his Tiv kinsmen, specifically from the Jemgbagh clan.
The letter reads: “The North Central Equity and Justice Coalition hereby passes a vote of no confidence in Senator George Akume, the current Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).”
The group’s frustration stems from Akume’s alleged favoritism towards his home state of Benue, particularly his Tiv ethnic group, while neglecting the broader interests of the North Central region. The group accused Akume of prioritizing personal and ethnic interests, which they believe undermines the inclusive leadership the region expected from him.
The letter also highlighted various parastatals where Akume allegedly appointed his kinsmen, including:
- Stephen Tsav Aondoana – North East Development Commission
- Mr. Mathias Byuan – Executive Director, Federal Housing Authority
- Nick Wende – Niger Delta Development Commission (representing North Central)
- Dr. Steven Andzenge – Niger Delta Power Holding, Executive Director of Legal Services
- Zungu – Executive Director, Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority
- Pius Akuta – Nigeria Shippers Council
- Dr. Tyover Dajo – Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Wanune
The coalition expressed dismay over Akume’s leadership, not only for neglecting the North Central states but also for marginalizing ethnic minorities within his own state of Benue, such as the Abakpa, Akweya, Etulo, Idoma, Igede, Jukun, and Nyifon groups.
The group pointed out that the Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority has been consistently led by individuals from Benue State, particularly Tiv people, since its inception in 1977, a trend they believe has been exacerbated by Akume’s influence as Governor, Senator, and now SGF.
Attempts to reach SGF George Akume for comment were unsuccessful as calls went unanswered, and text messages were not replied to at the time of writing.
