North-Central APC Forum accuses SGF of favoritism, threatens protests over “unfair” appointments

The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum is turning up the heat on the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, accusing him of giving preferential treatment to his own ethnic group, the Tiv, especially from Benue State.

The Forum, led by Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, dropped these serious allegations in response to a statement made by Akume’s spokesperson, Terrence Kuanum, who called the accusations “false and misleading.”

Speaking on Tuesday, November 19, Zazzaga explained that the claims were based on complaints from people within the North-Central region, especially members of the Zone A Peoples Assembly (ZAPA), a group of Benue indigenes. ZAPA had already called out Akume for favoring the Jemgbagh Tiv community, to the exclusion of the wider Tiv population, and the rest of Benue State. They even accused Akume of appointing his relative, Dr. Tyover Dajo, as the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic in Wannune, Benue, instead of a more qualified candidate.

“We are tired of the killings. Many young girls are turning into widows in their 20s and 30s. Almost all Edo State households have been affected. It is difficult to train children as a single parent,” said Zazzaga, emphasizing the Forum’s growing concerns.

The Forum says the SGF’s leadership, which they had praised in 2023, has taken a drastic turn in 2024, with appointments being given mostly to people from Akume’s immediate circle. “We are not blackmailing the SGF; we are speaking out as legitimate stakeholders in the North-Central zone,” Zazzaga clarified.

The APC group is also questioning Akume’s claim that he isn’t responsible for making appointments. “If he’s not making the appointments, then who is?” Zazzaga asked. He pointed to key positions in the Ministry of Water Resources, which he says have been filled by people from Akume’s own village.

The group is calling for Akume to be more inclusive, asking him to show leadership by representing all parts of the North-Central region. If the SGF doesn’t change his approach, the Forum has made it clear they will take action, including organizing protests. “We are prepared to take to the streets if our calls are ignored,” Zazzaga warned.

This is just the latest in a series of criticisms aimed at Akume, who has been accused of putting personal interests ahead of the broader region. As political tensions rise, the North-Central APC Forum’s statement reveals just how divided the party has become over regional representation and government appointments.

For now, the SGF’s office is sticking to its guns, with Kuanum labeling the allegations as “mischievous” and insisting that Akume is focused on development, not favoritism. But as the stakes get higher, it seems that this battle over who gets what in the North-Central region is far from over.