A socio-cultural group representing Tiv youth globally, Tiv Youth Organization (TYO), has dismissed the call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by Coalition of Idoma Professionals to sack Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume on the grounds of political marginalization and exclusion.
Comrade Andy Aondongu Anzah, the President of TYO issued the statement while briefing newsmen in Abuja, on Saturday.
He said: “It has become pertinent to address the general public in order to correct the false impression created by a self-serving group to bring animosity between the Tiv people and the Idoma people of Benue State.
“We read in some sections of the media, a throe coated, hate inciting publication credited to a group under the aegis of “Coalition of Idoma Professionals” calling on President Bola Tinubu to sack Sen. George Akume as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) on account of developments totally not dependent on Sen. Akume nor his office.
“In the said baseless and malicious outburst, the group claimed that it was speaking on behalf of the Idoma nation and that their disapprobation is hinged on the appointment of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and the ministerial nominee, Prof. Joseph Utsev by President Bola Tinubu.
“Over these developments, the group blamed Sen. Akume, and they rejected this in totality and are calling for inclusiveness, and unfortunately, as well as the sack of the SGF.
“Tiv Youth Organization notes with great dismay that the call is coated with divisive tendencies, ethnic chauvinism and it is an attempt to breed bad blood among the indigenes of the state. While Tiv Youth Organization is not against anyone or group crying foul for perceived marginalization or injustice of any magnitude, we condemn any such disparagement on the SGF.
“The SGF is an appointment of the President of the nation. And Sen. Akume did not appoint himself. He was appointed by President Bola Tinubu. So, if this group feels that an Idoma man would be appointed SGF, they should send the President, and not Sen. Akume.
“The nomination of Prof. Joseph Utsev as Minister should also never be blamed on Sen. Akume. The nomination of ministers of the federal republic is a duty of the President, and not that of the SGF. We leant reliably that the nomination of ministerial candidates was conducted and forwarded by the leadership of the state chapters of All Progressives Congress (APC) as directed by the President.”
The group reminded the Coalition of Idoma Professionals that: “During the President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration when Sen. David Mark was the Senate President, Comrade Abba Moro was the Minister of Interior while the Tivs had a junior minister in the person of Chief Samuel Ortom, the immediate past Governor of Benue State. But no Tiv man or woman raised an eyebrow.
“As peace loving people, they continue to accept their fate in good faith while praying for a day their political kingdom shall come. And today, it has indeed come with the meritorious appointment of Sen. George Akume as SGF.
“Tiv Youth Organization wishes to state emphatically that the call for the sack of Sen. Akume by Idoma nation is a clear expression of absolute disdain and hatred on the person and personality of Akume and on the Tiv nation. We roundly condemn this naked show of hatred.”
The group added that: “Sen. Akume is a very kind man who has demonstrated great love and affection for our Idoma brothers. He is a great leader with a big heart that accommodates all and sundry.
The group also appreciated the Benue State Council of Traditional Rulers headed by His Royal Majesty, Prof. J. O. I. Ayatse, CFR, Tor Tiv, and the Vice Chairman, His Royal Majesty, Agaba-Idu, Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John for leading a powerful delegation of all First Class and Second Class Chiefs in Benue State on a visit to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume and for pledging their support to President Tinubu and his administration.
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