Northern Forum Defends Akume, Denounces Suspension Calls

The Northern Bridge Builders’ Forum (NBBF) has risen in stout defence of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, over calls for his suspension in connection with an ongoing fraud investigation involving an alleged associate.

In a strongly-worded statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, the Forum condemned what it described as politically-motivated campaigns of calumny aimed at tarnishing Akume’s reputation, insisting that the allegations were unfounded and unconnected to the SGF’s office.

Signed by Senator Joel Ikenya and Gowon Emmanuel, Convener and Secretary of the Forum, respectively, the statement noted that the individual under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Andrew Uchi, was neither an aide nor staff member of Akume’s office.

“The forum woke up to notice a flurry of publications by various groups calling for the suspension of Sen. Akume, the SGF, over completely unfounded allegations,” the statement said.

“It is pertinent to note that the alleged fraud did not take place in the SGF’s office, as the alleged perpetrator in question is neither a staff of the SGF’s office nor an aide to Senator Akume.”

The NBBF described the suspension calls as mischievous, baseless and damaging to a public servant whose track record of transparency and integrity spans decades.

“Sen. Akume’s decades of public service, marked by transparency and integrity, speak volumes about his character. As Governor, Senator, Minister, and now SGF, he has never been indicted for any form of corruption,” it said.

The Forum, which comprises professionals and leaders across the 19 northern states, said such politically-charged attacks threaten national unity and distract from more pressing governance issues.

Recall that Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, had also condemned the suspension calls and disowned one of the groups claiming to speak on its behalf.

Organising Secretary of Afenifere, Abagun Omololu described the calls as “mischievous and unauthorised”, noting that the real Afenifere, led by Pa Reuben Fasoranti, never endorsed such statements.

He revealed that the EFCC probe into Uchi was triggered by a formal complaint lodged by Akume himself upon noticing irregularities, further distancing the SGF from any wrongdoing.

“We wish to reiterate that Afenifere stands firmly on the side of due process, justice and rule of law,” Omololu said.

The SGF’s office had earlier clarified that Uchi, who is being probed over alleged multi-billion naira fraud and money laundering, had no formal connection to Akume or the SGF’s administrative structure.

The office urged the public to avoid speculation and allow the EFCC to complete its investigation, reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability.

“The leadership of the office is not in any way involved in the alleged misconduct. We recognise the efforts of the EFCC to ensure that those found culpable are held accountable,” it stated.

The NBBF called on Nigerians to remain vigilant against attempts to manipulate facts for political gain and reaffirmed its confidence in Akume’s ability to continue serving with distinction.