A prominent northern advocacy group has thrown its weight behind the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, in the wake of growing calls for his suspension. The group, known as the Northern Bridge Builders’ Forum (NBBF), described the allegations against Akume as baseless, politically motivated, and aimed at sabotaging the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Addressing a press conference on Monday in Abuja, the group’s National Coordinator, Comrade Prince Miaphen, vehemently dismissed recent accusations linking Senator Akume to an alleged attempt to obstruct an investigation into an N80 billion fraud case involving one Mr. Torhile Uchi. Miaphen clarified that Uchi has no connection to the SGF and labeled the claims as “a deliberate campaign of calumny.”
“This campaign is nothing but coordinated blackmail against a loyal and hardworking public servant. Senator Akume has remained a steady and trusted hand in the successful implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Miaphen asserted.
He accused certain shadowy political elements of orchestrating a media smear campaign against Akume, using groups such as the so-called Arewa United Patriots and a faction claiming to represent the Afenifere. According to Miaphen, these groups are nothing more than proxies for disgruntled political actors hoping to destabilize the Tinubu-led administration from within.
“The individuals behind these attacks are clearly intent on disrupting the progress made by the administration. Their target is not just Akume but the entire Renewed Hope Agenda, which is beginning to yield real benefits for Nigerians,” he added.
Miaphen went further to extol the leadership qualities and impeccable record of Senator Akume, who he described as a man of proven integrity. “He has served Nigeria in various capacities – as a Governor, Senator, Minister, and now SGF – always with distinction and unwavering patriotism.”
Highlighting Akume’s crucial role in the coordination of federal government policies, Miaphen referred to him as “the engine room of this administration,” whose contributions are pivotal to the delivery of the government’s promises under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The forum also issued a strong call to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), urging the anti-graft agency to maintain its professionalism and resist attempts to use it as a tool for political witch-hunting.
“We trust the EFCC to remain focused on its mandate and not be dragged into the murky waters of political vendetta. Institutions must be allowed to operate independently if democracy is to thrive,” Miaphen concluded.
The group’s statement comes amid heightened political tension and growing concerns over attempts by some factions to disrupt the cohesion and progress of the current administration.
