The North Central Peace and Unity Forum (NOCPUF) has condemned recent calls for the removal of the secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, describing them as baseless and politically motivated.
According to the forum’s convener and national coordinator, Dr Bem Ugoh, and Prince Mark Elayo, NOCPUF alleged that the groups behind the calls were faceless elements posing as Arewa and Afenifere organisations, staging their protest in Makurdi, Benue State.
The civil society group said the demand for Akume’s removal was a “sponsored push” by political enemies exploiting the ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into alleged financial misconduct by one of the SGF’s aides.
“Such instigations are completely misplaced and undermine the long-established reputation of Senator Akume, who remains one of the nation’s longest-serving public servants without blemish,” the forum stated.
NOCPUF said it was unjust to call for punitive action against the SGF based on allegations against a subordinate, especially while investigations were still underway.
“The calls are not only mischievous but reveal the desperation of their sponsors. “We totally condemn the false narrative and consider it as the handiwork of desperate adversaries whose mission, like others before now, has surely failed,” they said.
The forum lauded Akume’s contributions to national unity and the development of the North Central zone, highlighting the establishment of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) as a testament to his leadership.
NOCPUF also congratulated the newly appointed board and management of the NCDC, expressing confidence in their ability to fulfill the commission’s mandate and pledging the forum’s full support.
Akume, a former Benue State governor and senator, was appointed SGF by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023.
