Staff Writer
Sen. George Akume’s removal from his position as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) has drawn criticism from the Tiv Youth Organization (TYO) and the Coalition of Idoma Professionals (CIP).
The TYO, under the direction of President General Comr. Andy Aondongu Anzah, strongly objected to the Coalition’s charges of racial chauvinism, viewing them as both divisive and harmful.
They emphasized that Sen. Akume’s office is not directly involved in the issues relating to political leadership and appointments at the federal and state levels that form the basis of the conflict.
On Wednesday, Comr. Anzah said at a news conference in Abuja, “We are dismayed that the Coalition’s demand is infused with divisive tendencies and an attempt to create discord among the state’s inhabitants.”
He added that while TYO does not object to anyone voicing their concerns about what they perceive to be an injustice, they vehemently oppose the SGF’s personal insults.
The TYO President emphasized the involvement of other political leaders in the state, emphasizing that Sen. Akume had no effect on their views.
Sen. Akume was not to be held responsible for the appointments of Governor Hyacinth Alia, the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, or the Chief of Staff to the Governor, he pointed out. These individuals all obtained their posts through democratic processes or by personal appointments.
According to their ethics and rules, “the Chief Judge at whatever level develops by seniority in the profession. Long before Sen. Akume was appointed SGF, the current Chief Judge of Benue State rose to that position through merit, according to Anzah.
Sen. Akume’s appointment as SGF was defended by Comr. Anzah on the grounds that President Tinubu, not Akume, was responsible for the appointment.
Similar to this, the TYO stated that Sen. Akume should not be held accountable for the President’s decision to choose Prof. Joseph Utsev as Minister.
Anzah pointed out that the All Progressives Congress (APC) state chapters, whose chairman in Benue State, Hon. Austin Agada, is an Idoma man, carried out and progressed the nomination process.
The TYO President slammed the Coalition’s demand for Sen. Akume’s expulsion as being made with clear hatred and contempt for Akume and the Tiv people.
He added that Sen. Akume continuously backed Idoma people in various political positions while he was governor, not for personal gain but rather for the harmony of the Tivs and the Idomas.
Comr. Anzah advised the Coalition to concentrate on projects that would solve problems rather than start a fight. He gave examples of major Idoma posts held by members of the federal and state governments in which the Tiv community did not oppose.
He urged the Coalition to recognize the positions that their kinmen still have as a result of the President’s generosity.
“We demand that they stop spreading the seeds of strife between the Tivs and the Idomas out of self-interest. Comr. Anzah continued, “Let them lobby for appointments and refrain from divisive, inappropriate, and ill-timed rants against the President and the SGF.
The TYO President also urged the Coalition of Idoma Professionals to demonstrate restraint because their offense is a direct attack on the President.
