The pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, has distanced itself from a purported faction calling for the suspension of Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, over an alleged fraud involving an individual said to be his aide.
In a statement released on Thursday in Abuja and signed by the group’s Organising Secretary, Mr. Abagun Omololu, Afenifere declared the statement attributed to it as false and unauthorised, stressing that it does not have factions and remains under the leadership of Pa Reuben Fasoranti.
Omololu described the individuals behind the suspension call as “fraudulent” and “mischievous,” accusing them of pursuing personal or partisan interests while hiding under the name of Afenifere. He also pointed out that the allegations linking Akume to a bribery and money laundering case involving Andrew Uchi were deliberately distorted to blackmail the SGF.
According to Omololu, the investigation into Uchi was initiated by Akume himself after noticing suspicious behavior. He insisted that Uchi was never employed by or connected to the SGF’s office, aside from being a peripheral figure known for name-dropping.
The statement reaffirmed Afenifere’s commitment to the rule of law, urging the public to allow the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to carry out its duties without pressure. It condemned any attempt to use the organisation’s name to manipulate public opinion or interfere in legal processes.
Reiterating its non-partisan stance, Afenifere stated that it would not be used as a tool for political vendettas and would continue defending Yoruba integrity and Nigerian unity.
Meanwhile, the SGF’s office also issued a statement dissociating itself from Uchi and reiterating its commitment to transparency and accountability. It acknowledged the EFCC’s efforts and assured the public that no official within the SGF’s office was involved in the matter.
Despite this, the so-called Afenifere faction issued an ultimatum demanding updates on the investigation and threatened nationwide protests, prompting condemnation from civil society groups who labelled the move as prejudiced and politically motivated.
