Northern Coalition Defends Akume, Denounces Smear Campaign

A northern advocacy group under the Renewed Hope Agenda has condemned recent calls for the suspension of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, describing the allegations against him as politically motivated and unfounded.

At a press briefing held yesterday in Abuja, the group’s national coordinator, Comrade Prince Miaphen, criticised the media attacks purportedly orchestrated by a faceless coalition known as the Arewa United Patriots.

Miaphen accused the group of acting as proxies for disgruntled political actors intent on destabilising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

“This campaign of calumny is nothing but a coordinated blackmail against a loyal and hardworking public servant. Senator Akume has remained a steady hand in the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Miaphen said.

He dismissed allegations that Senator Akume had obstructed investigations into an alleged N80 billion fraud involving one Mr. Torhile Uchi, whom the accusers claim is his aide.

According to Miaphen, the Northern Bridge Builders’ Forum—a coalition of respected leaders in the region—has clarified that Uchi neither works for the SGF nor is linked to the alleged fraud.

Miaphen also cited a recent attack by a self-styled Afenifere faction, which was discredited by the authentic leadership of the Yoruba socio-political group.

“These are orchestrated moves by political saboteurs who fear the success of President Tinubu’s administration,” he said.

Praising Akume’s track record, Miaphen described him as “a man of integrity and loyalty” who has served Nigeria with distinction—as governor, senator, minister, and now SGF.

He stressed that Akume’s coordination of federal policies has been critical to the functionality of the current government.

“The SGF is the engine room of this administration. His commitment to ensuring that the Renewed Hope Agenda delivers real benefits to Nigerians is unwavering,” he stated.

The group also urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) not to yield to political pressure, commending the commission for its professionalism so far and warning against the use of the anti-graft agency for political vendettas.

In a final note, Miaphen expressed the group’s continued support for Senator Akume and President Tinubu.

“We pass a strong vote of confidence in Senator Akume and thank President Tinubu for standing by a man of principle and competence. Nigerians must remain united and not be swayed by false narratives,” he said.

He called on citizens to remain vigilant and support efforts aimed at strengthening governance, saying, “This is not a time for distractions. We stand firmly behind those working to build a better Nigeria.”