The Arewa United Patriots, a prominent Northern advocacy group, has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately suspend the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, over his alleged involvement in an N80 billion corruption scandal tied to his office.
In a strongly worded letter obtained by SaharaReporters, the group urged President Tinubu to act decisively, warning that allowing Akume to remain in office amid mounting allegations would severely undermine the administration’s anti-corruption stance and the credibility of its “Renewed Hope” agenda.
The controversy centers around Torhile Uchi, a Senior Special Assistant to the President attached to the SGF’s office, who was arrested earlier this year by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with the alleged N80 billion fraud. Uchi was subsequently suspended pending further investigation.
However, the Arewa United Patriots allege that Senator Akume has since used the powers of his office to obstruct the EFCC’s investigation, intimidate anti-graft operatives, and suppress critical evidence in a bid to protect himself from scrutiny.
“This is obviously a breach of public service rules and statutory provisions,” the group wrote in a letter signed by its patron, Alhaji Dr. Turkur Aminu Waziri (Wanbai Wamakko). “The SGF’s move to prevent investigations into the fraud allegations in his office is shameful and criminal and must not be overlooked.”
According to the group, Akume’s interference has significantly stalled progress in the investigation, with insiders alleging a deliberate cover-up. They warned that any attempt to sweep the matter under the carpet would provoke widespread backlash.
The group has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the EFCC to publicly update Nigerians on the status of the investigation into both Uchi and Senator Akume’s alleged involvement. Failure to do so, they warned, would result in nationwide protests coordinated by Northern civil society groups.
“We strongly advise the EFCC that failure to adhere to this ultimatum will leave us no choice but to mobilise all Northern groups and lovers of democracy across the country for the mother of all protests nationwide,” the letter warned.
The group stressed that suspending Akume was both “important and urgent” to ensure he does not further compromise the integrity of the investigation.
As of the time of reporting, neither the SGF nor the EFCC has issued a public response to the latest allegations or the seven-day ultimatum.
This development adds to growing public scrutiny over high-level accountability in Nigeria and will likely test the Tinubu administration’s resolve in confronting corruption within its own ranks.
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