The North Central Integrity Forum, under the leadership of its President, Honourable Joseph Maiwada, has condemned recent allegations made by Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga against Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
The group described Zazzaga’s claims as baseless, self-serving, and a calculated attempt to tarnish the image of the SGF for personal gain.
In a press statement, Honourable Maiwada outlined the Integrity Forum’s position, emphasizing their unwavering support for Senator Akume’s leadership and dismissing Zazzaga as a political opportunist with no tangible contributions to the All Progressives Congress (APC) or the North Central region.
The Integrity Forum alleged that Zazzaga has been engaging in unethical practices by soliciting funds from prominent APC stakeholders. According to the Forum, his recent attacks on the SGF stem from frustrations over his unsuccessful attempts to extort money from party leaders. The Forum further accused Zazzaga of accepting financial inducements from Governor Hyacinth Alia to orchestrate campaigns against the SGF.
“Zazzaga has lost all credibility and integrity as a party member. His sudden allegiance to Governor Alia, after receiving monetary benefits, reveals his lack of principles. Such actions should not be tolerated within the APC,” Honourable Maiwada stated.
The Integrity Forum also questioned Zazzaga’s political relevance and contributions to the APC. They challenged him to provide evidence of his impact in his polling unit during the last elections, pointing out that he failed to deliver any meaningful results for the party in his locality.
“Where is Zazzaga’s polling unit? What did the APC achieve there under his watch? He has no grassroots support or political value and should stop his noise-making. His attempts to destabilize the APC in the North Central are purely for selfish gains,” Maiwada added.
Reaffirming its loyalty to Senator Akume, the North Central Integrity Forum commended his leadership and described him as a unifying force within the APC. The Forum noted that it was Akume’s strategic guidance that ensured the party’s victory in Benue State during the last general elections, despite the odds.
“While Governor Alia was still in the church, it was Senator Akume who worked tirelessly to deliver Benue to the APC. His commitment to the party and the North Central region is unwavering, and we stand firmly behind him,” Maiwada said.
The Forum urged the APC national leadership to investigate Zazzaga’s divisive actions and take disciplinary measures against him.
They described his behavior as detrimental to the party’s unity and a distraction from its developmental agenda.
“We call on the party’s leadership to act swiftly and decisively. Zazzaga’s actions are damaging to the APC, and he must be held accountable for his conduct,” the statement read.
The North Central Integrity Forum concluded by advising Zazzaga to desist from further attacks and focus on redeeming his reputation.
They reiterated their support for Senator Akume, whom they described as a visionary leader dedicated to the progress of the North Central region.
“Zazzaga has no standing in the North Central APC. His baseless accusations against Senator Akume are nothing but desperate attempts to remain relevant. We reaffirm our vote of confidence in the SGF and his leadership,” Maiwada declared.
The North Central Integrity Forum emphasized its commitment to the unity and progress of the APC, calling on party members to rally behind leaders like Senator Akume, whose contributions continue to strengthen the party in the region.
