Kehinde Fajobi
The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has called on the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, to ensure equitable appointments across the North-Central zone.
In a statement signed by the forum’s chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, the group urged Akume to fulfil his role as the region’s leader within the APC by addressing perceived lopsidedness in his appointments since assuming office.
“The North-Central All Progressives Congress Forum notes with concern, the failure of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, to carry the entire North-Central zone along since his appointment as SGF by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023,” the statement read.
The forum criticised Akume for allegedly favouring his Tiv ethnic group from Benue State in appointments, a move it described as contrary to the expectations of APC leaders when the SGF position was zoned to the North-Central.
“This is unacceptable, and we, the North-Central APC Forum, condemn this attitude and ask the SGF to correct the imbalance in appointments or face protests by the people of the North-Central,” Zazzaga stated.
The group reminded Akume that the SGF role was allocated to the North-Central to ensure fair representation in the Federal Government’s top leadership.
They demanded that the SGF make immediate adjustments to reflect the diversity of the region.
“We, the North-Central APC Forum, are calling the SGF’s attention to these lopsided appointments.
“We are also asking him to balance the appointments and carry the entire people of the North-Central along,” the forum added.
The group also accused Akume of neglecting his duties due to an alleged feud with Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, which they claim is distracting him from the responsibilities of his office.
“We are also calling on Senator Akume to take his duties seriously and concentrate on the responsibilities of the office of the SGF, instead of engaging in endless fights with the Governor of Benue State, Reverend Hyacinth Alia,” the statement said.
Furthermore, the forum highlighted the need to fill vacant Special Adviser (SA) positions within the SGF’s office, urging Akume to use the opportunity to correct the imbalance.
“We are issuing a timely reminder to Senator Akume to use those outstanding positions to balance the appointments in the Office of the SGF.
“This will not only correct the imbalance in the spread of appointments in the establishment but also boost the efficiency of the office by bringing in competent individuals from diverse backgrounds,” the forum concluded.
The North-Central APC Forum warned that failure to address their concerns could lead to protests and calls for Akume’s removal.