North-Central APC Forum Insists Allegations of Lopsided Appointments Against SGF Are Valid

The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has reaffirmed its allegations of lopsided appointments against the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, stating that these claims are based on feedback from stakeholders within the North-Central zone.

Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, Chairman of the North-Central APC Forum, made the clarification on Tuesday in response to a statement issued by Terrence Kuanum, the SGF’s spokesperson, who described the Forum’s accusations as false and misleading.

In a statement released after a meeting in Abuja on Sunday, the Forum accused Akume of favoring the Tiv people of Benue State in the appointments made by the Office of the SGF.

The group also noted that the positive impact of Akume’s position, which was zoned to the North-Central by the APC, has not been felt in the region. The Forum called on the SGF to adopt a more inclusive leadership approach and ensure that appointments reflect the interests of the entire North-Central zone.

They warned that protests and agitation would follow if the SGF fails to address their concerns.

In response, Kuanum issued a statement on Monday, dismissing the North-Central APC Forum as mischief makers and accusing them of being influenced by outside forces to undermine Akume and President Bola Tinubu.

The SGF’s office countered that Akume had attracted significant projects to the region and clarified that he is not responsible for making appointments, which fall under the purview of the President.

However, the North-Central APC Forum, led by Zazzaga, reiterated that the accusations of favoritism were based on complaints from APC stakeholders in the zone. Zazzaga referenced a statement from August 2023 by the Zone A Peoples Assembly (ZAPA), a Benue-based group, which criticized Akume for allegedly prioritizing his Jemgbagh kinsmen.

ZAPA also accused the SGF of attempting to secure an appointment for his relative, Dr. Tyover Dajo, as the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Wannune, thereby sidelining other deserving individuals.

The Forum’s statement further challenged the SGF’s office for dismissing their concerns and reiterated their demand for a more balanced approach to appointments.

Zazzaga emphasized that the group is not seeking to blackmail Akume but is simply voicing legitimate concerns as stakeholders of the North-Central APC.

He called for Akume to unify the region and demonstrate inclusive leadership, warning that failure to do so would result in further evidence being presented and the possibility of protests demanding his resignation or removal from office.

The North-Central APC Forum has vowed to continue advocating for equitable representation within the region and hold the SGF accountable for what they describe as a derailing of his leadership approach since his commendable start in 2023.