An Unpatriotic Crusade: Shame on Tiv Sons Calling for the Removal of Senator George Akume as SGF

By Aviashima Toom

It is deeply disappointing and unfortunate that some Tiv sons, blinded by personal ambition and envy, have joined the misguided campaign calling for the removal of Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). This campaign is not driven by any patriotic concern or quest for justice, it is an act of betrayal, rooted in petty rivalry and political desperation.

Let us state the facts clearly: even if Senator Akume were to be removed from office today, the position would not automatically be handed to any of the individuals orchestrating this smear campaign, not Dr. Leonard Karshima Shilgba, nor any of his co-travelers. Their actions are not intended to advance the Tiv nation or uphold accountability. Rather, they are calculated attempts at self-promotion, seeking relevance through the denigration of one of the most prominent Tiv leaders of our time.

This destructive "pull him down" syndrome has sadly become embedded in Tiv political culture. It is a tragic irony that when a Tiv man rises to a position of national influence, his harshest critics and saboteurs often come from his own ethnic group. No other group in Nigeria undermines its own like we do, and this behavior has cost us dearly in the national power equation.

Recently, Afenifere, a Yoruba socio-political organisation, issued a statement allegedly calling for Senator Akume’s suspension based on corruption allegations involving one Terhile Uchi. However, Uchi is not an aide to the SGF. There is no record or appointment letter from the SGF’s office identifying him as such. Attempting to link Senator Akume to Uchi’s alleged actions, without evidence, is not only baseless but malicious. It is an obvious attempt to create guilt by association, a tactic that lacks moral and legal credibility.

Let us recall that President Bola Tinubu acted swiftly in the case of Dr. Betta Edu because she was directly implicated in a scandal. If Uchi has indeed committed any crime, especially one involving public funds, then let him face the full weight of the law. However, attempting to drag Senator Akume into the mud without concrete evidence is unjust, irresponsible, and politically motivated.

Elder statesman Chief Jack Tilley Gyado recently demonstrated courage and wisdom during the inauguration of Comrade Austin Agada as Chairman of the National Seed Council of Nigeria in Abuja. He rightly challenged those accusing Senator Akume to come forward with verifiable evidence or forever hold their peace.

The truth remains that Senator George Akume is the most significant political figure representing Tiv interest in the current administration. Under his leadership and influence, numerous Benue sons and daughters have secured key appointments and opportunities at the federal level. Undermining his position is not merely an attack on his person, it is an attack on the collective interest and progress of the Tiv people.

It is particularly disturbing that a respected academic like Dr. Leonard Shilgba, who has contributed immensely to education, has chosen to join this ignoble crusade. One would expect that someone of his intellectual standing would use his platform to educate Tiv citizens on the strategic importance of the SGF's office, and how the Tiv nation stands to benefit from supporting rather than sabotaging our own. Instead, he has chosen the low road of populist agitation and political bitterness.

Let us ask ourselves: if Senator Akume is removed today, will the office of SGF be handed to Dr. Shilgba or his associates? Of course not. The political bond between President Tinubu and Senator Akume is founded on trust, loyalty, and a shared vision for national development, one that cannot be broken by self-serving campaigns or the envy of political lightweights.

Instead of wasting energy on divisive campaigns, Dr. Shilgba and others should align with the SGF to secure more opportunities for our people. Constructive engagement, not antagonism, is the path to meaningful progress.

To those calling for Akume’s removal, I say this: reflect on your actions. Are they truly in the interest of the Tiv nation? Or are they driven by envy, pride, and personal gain? History will not forget those who tried to bring down one of our finest at a time when unity was needed most.

Senator George Akume is not just a political figure, he is a symbol of Tiv representation at the national level. Undermining him is tantamount to weakening the voice of the Tiv people in the corridors of power.

In times of unwarranted attacks, we must defend our leaders, not tear them down. Those campaigning against Senator Akume should bury their heads in shame. This is not the path to progress. It is the path to self-destruction.