A faction of Afenifere has called on President Bola Tinubu to suspend the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, on account of allegation of corruption his aide, Torhile Uchi, reportedly coordinated.
Uchia, Senior Special Assistant to the President, attached to the office of the SGF, is a facing investigation at the hands of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for alleged corrupt practice, with rumour mill mentioning Akume in the conversation.
The Yoruba popular organisation in a statement by its factional publicity secretary, Dr. Bayo Adenuga, joined the conversation, urging President Tinubu to suspend the former Benue State Governor, and free the investigation of the matter from his influence.
“It is unacceptable that verifiable cases of corruption such as the one superintendent upon by the SGF and his aide will be swept under the carpet during the tenure of an administration that has sworn to fight corruption to a standstill.
“As it is customary, Senator George Akume must be suspended to pave way for a full, free and comprehensive investigation into gross allegations of corruption coordinated in his office and with his full consent. An N80billion crime of money laundering uncovered by the EFCC using taxpayers money cannot be allowed to slip away like that. We demand accountability.
“We, therefore give EFCC a 7-day ultimatum to update the public on the status of the pending investigation or risk a massive nationwide protest from the Yoruba nation, all lovers of democracy and anti-corruption crusaders.
“Be reminded, Mr. President that Senator George Akume did not just involve himself in a high stake corruption case but he is also blocking law enforcements from doing their job. Babachir Lawal, a former SGF was removed from office for an offence that was little compared to the scandal the SGF has been involved with.
“The EFCC must equally know that Nigerians are watching patiently to know what will happen to the case. This case is indeed a litmus test for the anti graft agency which must not be seen as a toothless bulldog that barks without consequences”, the statement read in part.
The next were in these words: “Let us remind you, Mr. President that as a group that support your administration’s anti-corruption drive, we owe you a duty to always cooperate with you to prosecute corrupt elements no matter how highly placed they might be. You did that in the case of Beta Edu and recently, NNPCL management. Let this case not be an exception please.”
