N80bn Scandal: Northern Coalition Defends SGF Akume, Slams Suspension Calls As Witch Hunt

A coalition of northern advocacy groups has dismissed calls for the investigation and suspension of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, labelling them as unwarranted and politically motivated.

This stance was articulated in a statement issued on Monday by the coalition’s national coordinator and activist, Prince Miaphen.

The coalition came to Akume’s defense following demands that he step aside amid accusations of obstructing an N80 billion fraud probe involving his aide, Torhile Uchi.

Miaphen dismissed the allegations as baseless and designed to divert attention from the progress of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda, the coalition condemned the suspension calls, arguing that they stem from politically driven motives rather than factual evidence.

“These are calculated efforts by political saboteurs threatened by the success of President Tinubu’s government,” Miaphen said. “We reaffirm our confidence in Senator Akume and commend President Tinubu for backing a man of integrity and proven competence. Nigerians must not be misled by unfounded claims.”

It is worth noting that a group identified as the Arewa United Patriots had previously urged Akume’s suspension over the alleged interference in the anti-fraud investigation.

As of the time of this report, neither the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) nor the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has made any official statement on the matter.