NEWS DIGEST: Mathew Bishop, the Secretary of the Middle Belt Youths Forum (MBYF), has strongly criticized the undue media attacks on Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), by his own kinsmen under the platform of Zone A peoples’ Assembly (ZAPA) regarding alleged lopsided appointments.
ZAPA, a social cultural group representing Benue North-East senatorial District, also known as Zone A, held a press conference in Makurdi, Benue State, accusing the SGF of unfairly distributing key positions to individuals from Zone B, particularly his close associates and family members, while neglecting the other senatorial zones of A and C.
However, in an interview with Tribune Online, the MBYF Secretary, Bishop, challenged the group’s assertions, stating that Senator Akume represents not only the Tiv ethnic group and Benue State but also the entire Middle Belt region and Nigeria as a whole.
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Bishop expressed his astonishment at ZAPA’s attempt to confine the SGF slot to Zone A and C, overlooking its significance for the entire Middle Belt. He urged the leaders of the senatorial district to intervene and rein in on ZAPA’s misguided allegations.
He further emphasized that if the group is not brought to order by the zone’s leaders, it may indicate a possible conspiracy against Senator Akume, thus calling for a reconsideration of their stance.
Bishop highlighted Akume’s proven track record, stating that the senator is not a selfish politician but a broad-minded democrat who has consistently demonstrated his commitment to his people.
He also pointed out that during Akume’s tenure as Governor of Benue State, individuals from all zones of the state, including Zone A and C, attained significant political prominence, underscoring the senator’s commitment to equal opportunities for all.
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The former Nasarawa State Chairman of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) suggested that the group may have been sponsored to distract the SGF with their baseless allegations.
Akume has tirelessly worked towards developing and nurturing leaders within and outside of his political party, without any form of discrimination. Accusing him of hindering the progress of other zones in his home state is an unfair accusation against a man who has selflessly served the nation and does not forget his own people.
Bishop questioned the timing of the complaint, as Akume has yet to appoint his aides, and the president is about to inaugurate his cabinet. He also raised suspicions about whether there were undisclosed factors motivating the people of that senatorial district to make these complaints.
The MBYF Secretary clarified that Akume’s position as SGF extends beyond Benue State, encompassing the Middle Belt region and the entire nation. Therefore, he urged ZAPA not to underestimate the esteemed office of the SGF.
Bishop advised ZAPA to avoid distracting Senator Akume, as he is currently dedicated to fulfilling the mandate given to him by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and the APC manifestos.
