By Israel Adamu, Jos
The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has issued a stern warning to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, over alleged lopsided appointments favoring his Tiv kinsmen from Benue State. The Forum threatened to release detailed evidence to back its claims and vowed to agitate for Akume’s removal if he fails to address the situation.
In a statement issued by its Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, the Forum reiterated its earlier accusations of bias and incompetence against the SGF. The allegations were first raised during a meeting in Abuja on November 17, where the Forum urged Akume to ensure inclusivity in appointments across the North-Central zone.
SGF Denies Allegations
Responding to the claims, the SGF, through his spokesperson Terrence Kuanum, described the allegations as false and baseless. He accused the Forum of being sponsored to attack his reputation and that of President Bola Tinubu. Similarly, a statement by Philip Tachin on November 24 dismissed the Forum’s accusations as “political tantrums” orchestrated by Akume’s detractors.
Forum Threatens Further Action
Undeterred by the denials, Zazzaga, in a statement released on November 25, criticized the SGF for engaging in what he termed a “media war” instead of addressing the core issues. He disclosed that the Forum had refrained from releasing all available evidence out of respect for Akume but warned that continued resistance to calls for inclusivity would leave them no choice.
“The SGF should not take this issue personally. It is not about any individual but about the progress of the North-Central and the APC,” Zazzaga said.
He further accused Akume of shifting blame to President Bola Tinubu by claiming the appointments were solely presidential decisions. “This narrative indirectly blackmails the President, which we strongly condemn,” he added.
Examples of Alleged Lopsided Appointments
The Forum listed several appointments it claimed were skewed in favor of Akume’s Tiv kinsmen, including:
- The Minister of Water Resources.
- The Managing Director of the Shippers’ Council.
- The Executive Director of the Federal Housing Authority.
- The Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri.
- The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Wannune, Benue State, allegedly a relative of Akume.
Call for Inclusive Leadership
The Forum stressed that its demands were not for personal gain but for equitable representation across the North-Central zone. It called on Akume to extend appointments to all sections of the region and warned of mass protests and further revelations if their concerns remain unaddressed.
“We stand by our position that Senator George Akume should lead inclusively, ensuring that the North-Central is carried along. Failure to do so will compel us to release all evidence of lopsided appointments and demand his resignation or removal,” the statement concluded.
The Forum also dismissed allegations that it was acting under sponsorship, emphasizing its history of advocating for the region’s development and supporting President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
