CSOs dismiss allegations against SGF Akume

A coalition of 11 civil society organisations, led by Conscience Nigeria, has condemned the baseless allegations leveled against Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). The groups described the accusations of Akume’s involvement in an N80 billion fraud scandal as “entirely unfounded” and “devoid of credible evidence.”

This was contained in a statement signed by Micheal Stephen Babatunde, National Publicity Secretary, Conscience Nigeria; Joe Mesele, Executive Director, Policy Advocacy and Integrity; Adekola James, Northern Patriotic Front; Ali Abacha, Adopt A Goal For Development; Folu Martins, Empowerment For Unemployed Youth Initiative; Usman Shehu Tijani, Sustainable Peace Initiative; Delux Chukwuemeka, Guardians of Democracy and Development Initiative; Comrade Igwe Ude-umanta, Rising Up For A United Nigeria; Comrade Solomon Adodo, and Nigeria Sustainable Initiatives for Nurturing Growth.

According to the groups, the allegations seem to be driven by malicious motives.

“We consider the statement of the factional Afenifere group as repugnant, prejudicial, and in bad taste. The said publication, in an attempt to intimidate and stampede the EFCC, threatened the EFCC with a 7-day ultimatum and a nationwide protest,” the statement read.

The groups noted that the accused person, Mr. Uchi, is not an appointee of Mr. President, or on the payroll of the SGF, nor does he work in the office of the SGF, or is related to the SGF, beyond being an opportunistic hanger-on around who specializes in name-dropping, as against the claims in their statement.

The investigation being carried out by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is at the instance of Senator Akume himself, after he noticed the extravagant lifestyle of Mr. Uchi, and has since publicly distanced himself from the suspect. The groups condemned the Afenifere group’s attempt to manipulate the EFCC’s findings or incite public opinion to cast aspersion on Akume’s character.

“The surreptitious coercive attempt by the factional Afenifere group to manipulate the EFCC’s findings or incite public opinion to cast aspersion on the character and person of the SGF with the intent to sway public opinion against him is a direct affront, discriminatory, offensive, obnoxious, distasteful, and disrespectful,” the statement read.

The groups condemned in its entirety the call by the Afenifere group for the suspension of Chief George Akume from office and the threat to call for a nationwide protest.

“We urge the group not to stampede, blackmail, or intimidate the EFCC and allow it to do its job, as the investigation into the matter is still ongoing,” the statement added.

The civil society groups view Senator George Akume as a capable and loyal ally of Mr. President, working assiduously for the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President. They made it clear that they will resist any attempt by the factional Afenifere group and their cohorts, or any other group or individuals, to denigrate, smear, or deride any of their leaders.

“This Coalition does not support, encourage, or aid any act of corruption or corrupt practices from any quarters, but will vehemently resist any attempt to coercively or manipulatively slander, smear, or surreptitiously assert our leaders with unprofessional conduct,” the statement emphasised.

The groups called for a thorough, transparent investigation into the allegations, based on concrete evidence and guided by the principles of fairness and justice.

“We also urge the public to remain cautious of unfounded allegations and to demand evidence-based reporting,” the statement concluded.

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