- FOREFRONT NG
The pan-Yoruba social political organisation on the aegis of AFENIFERE, has called on President Bola Bola Tinubu to as a matter of national interest and the fight against corruption, suspend the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.
AFENIFERE hinged its demand on the serious allegation of corruption coordinated by one Torhile Uchi, a Senior Special Assistant to the President, attached to the office of the SGF. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), later arrested and interrogated Torhile Uchi, who had used the office of the SGF to commit so many infractions in some agencies of the federal government.
AFENIFERE noted that the case has not progressed in the EFCC as expected just as no punitive measures were meted the aide to the SGF.
It therefore, gave the 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.
This was as AFENIFERE demanded the immediate suspension of Akume from office to pave way for an independent and unbiased investigation into the corruption case involving Torhile Uchi.
These were contained in a statement by Dr. Bayo Adenuga, a Publicity Secretary of AFENIFERE, in which it tasked President Tinubu to demonstrate commitment to fighting corruption by suspending the SGF, Mr Akume to pave way for a thorough probe into the corruption case involving the SGF and his aide, Torhile Uchi.
The statement further said; “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 tax payers’ money cannot be allowed to slip away like that. We demand accountability.
“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 present 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,” it stressed.
While assuring President Tinubu of their unalloyed support, AFENIFERE emphasised that President Tinubu must never be seen as looking the other way when his aides and appointees are involved in cases of corruption as such will taint the anti-corruption war.
“Mr. President, 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,” AFENIFERE said.
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