The North Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has reiterated its allegations of lopsided appointments against the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, asserting that its claims are based on complaints from stakeholders in the zone.
Chairman of the forum, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, responding to a rebuttal by Akume’s spokesperson, Terrence Kuanum, insisted on Tuesday that their concerns are genuine.
The forum had earlier accused Akume of favouring the Tiv people of Benue State in appointments made through his office, neglecting other parts of the North Central.
But the SGF’s spokesperson dismissed the claims as baseless, describing the forum as mischief makers attempting to tarnish Akume’s image and disrupt President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He further emphasised that appointments are at the president’s discretion, not the SGF’s.
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However, Zazzaga pointed to statements by groups such as the Zone A Peoples Assembly (ZAPA), which accused Akume of nepotism in filling key positions, including the nomination of his cousin, Dr. Tyover Dajo, as Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Wannune.
In a statement, Zazzaga challenged Akume’s defence, asking, “If the SGF is not making these recommendations, who is?” He cited appointments in agencies like the Ministry of Water Resources and others as evidence of bias.
The forum warned that unless Akume adopts an inclusive leadership approach, it would escalate its actions, including protests and publicising further evidence, to demand his resignation or removal. “We want unity and equitable representation for the North Central,” Zazzaga said.
The SGF has yet to issue a direct response to the renewed allegations.
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