The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has issued a strong appeal to George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), urging him to ensure fair and balanced representation for the entire North-Central region in the appointments under his office. This call for inclusivity was made following a recent meeting of the Forum in Abuja, where its Chairman, Saleh Zazzaga, emphasized the need for Akume to act as a true leader of the North-Central, ensuring that the zone feels the positive impact of his position.
In its statement, the Forum expressed dissatisfaction with what it perceives as favoritism in recent appointments. The Forum warned that it would consider organizing protests and agitations if Akume does not take immediate steps to rectify what it sees as a skewed approach to appointments that could undermine unity within the APC and diminish the party’s influence in the North-Central.
According to Zazzaga, the SGF position was designated for the North-Central region as part of the party’s strategic zoning arrangement following the 2023 election of President Bola Tinubu. Akume, a former governor of Benue State and former Minister of Special Duties under President Muhammadu Buhari, was appointed SGF by President Tinubu in June 2023. However, the Forum claims that since his appointment, Akume has focused heavily on appointing individuals from his home state, specifically favoring people from his Tiv ethnic group in Benue.
The North-Central APC Forum’s Chairman, Zazzaga, voiced disappointment with Akume’s approach, which he claimed fell short of the expectations set by the party when the SGF role was assigned to the region. He explained that while the position of SGF was meant to benefit the entire North-Central, Akume’s leadership has so far not delivered on this promise. Zazzaga stressed that members of the North-Central zone are feeling increasingly overlooked and alienated from the benefits that should arise from the SGF’s office.
The Forum’s statement further criticized Akume for what it described as “lopsided appointments” that do not reflect the diversity of the North-Central. “Rather than promoting inclusivity across the North-Central,” Zazzaga stated, “Senator Akume has concentrated appointments within the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) on individuals from the Tiv ethnic group in Benue State. This is a clear deviation from the principle of balanced representation and is unacceptable to the North-Central APC Forum.”
In response to the ongoing leadership style, the Forum has demanded immediate action to restore a fair distribution of opportunities, warning that if the current trend continues, it will mobilize protests across the region. “We are prepared to agitate for a change in leadership if our appeal is ignored,” Zazzaga cautioned. “The North-Central deserves to benefit from the representation it has in the federal government, and we are urging the SGF to correct this oversight by appointing a wider range of individuals from across the region.”
Furthermore, the Forum highlighted the importance of filling vacant positions within the OSGF with qualified individuals from various backgrounds within the North-Central. They noted that these vacant positions, particularly those of Special Assistants (SAs), provide an opportunity for Akume to rectify the imbalance and bring capable individuals on board. “By making these appointments more inclusive,” Zazzaga continued, “the SGF could enhance the effectiveness of his office while also fostering greater unity across our diverse communities.”
The Forum also criticized Akume’s frequent conflicts with Benue State Governor Reverend Hyacinth Alia, suggesting that these disputes detract from his official responsibilities as SGF. They urged Akume to focus on the duties of his office, which include building bridges across the region and reinforcing the party’s unity. “As the SGF, Senator Akume should prioritize uniting the APC and promoting balanced representation,” Zazzaga added. “The constant disputes are undermining the respect and cohesion that the SGF’s role should embody.”
The paramount concern of the North-Central APC Forum is that the current dynamics within the OSGF are eroding trust in the APC’s leadership and potentially harming the party’s reputation in the region. As a result, the Forum has called on Akume to revisit his approach, emphasizing that his position should reflect the interests of the entire North-Central zone.
Concluding the statement, Zazzaga stressed, “The North-Central APC Forum believes it is time for Senator Akume to demonstrate leadership that is inclusive and balanced. We appeal to him to address these gaps and promote an environment where all people from the North-Central can see themselves represented in his office. Should he continue down this path of favoritism, we will not hesitate to take further action, including calling for his replacement.”
The Forum firmly believes that correcting these imbalances will not only promote unity within the APC but also strengthen the party’s position in the North-Central ahead of future elections.
