The group insisted that Akume’s suspension is necessary to ensure an impartial and thorough investigation into the scandal. It cited the EFCC’s reported uncovering of substantial evidence linked to the alleged N80 billion money laundering case.
A civil society group, Voice of the Voiceless Nigerian, has called for the immediate suspension of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, over allegations of his aide's involvement in an N80 billion fraud.
In a statement released in Abuja and signed by the group's National Secretary, Oba Adewole Oluwatosin, the organisation expressed deep concerns over the silence of authorities despite ongoing investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The group noted that Mr. Torhile Uchi, an aide to Senator Akume, had already been arrested and interrogated, yet no action had been taken against the SGF himself.
"It is unacceptable that verifiable allegations of corruption are being swept under the carpet under an administration that campaigned on anti-corruption," the statement read.
The group insisted that Akume’s suspension is necessary to ensure an impartial and thorough investigation into the scandal. It cited the EFCC’s reported uncovering of substantial evidence linked to the alleged N80 billion money laundering case.
Drawing comparisons with former SGF Babachir Lawal, who was removed from office over less severe allegations, the group questioned the perceived double standard and called for equal treatment under the law.
Voice of the Voiceless Nigerian issued a seven-day ultimatum to both the EFCC and President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action. It warned that failure to suspend Senator Akume and make public updates on the investigation would lead to nationwide protests.
The group warned that protecting allegedly corrupt officials could severely damage the credibility of the government's anti-corruption efforts.
"We urge the President to act now. Nigerians are watching and will not remain silent in the face of injustice and selective accountability," the statement concluded.
Earlier, SaharaReporters reported that Afenifere, Yoruba socio-political organisation, called on President Tinubu to immediately suspend the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Akume, over the allegation of corruption coordinated by his aide.
It will be recalled that operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arrested and interrogated one Mr. Torhile Uchi, a Senior Special Assistant to the President attached to the office of the SGF.
However, the case has not progressed well, and no punitive measures have been meted out to the suspect — a development many attributed to the interference and influence of Akume in an attempt to cover up his involvement.
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