The Yoruba socio-political-cultural organisation, Afenifere, has distanced itself from a group allegedly operating under its name and calling for the suspension of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.
In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by Mr. Abagun Omololu, Afenifere’s Organising Secretary, the group described the controversial release as a mischievous and unauthorized communication, asserting that it does not represent the views of Afenifere.
“Afenifere has no factions,” Omololu said firmly, “and remains under the unified leadership of Pa Reuben Fasoranti.” He stated that no officer—past or present—had been mandated to issue any politically charged or defamatory statements such as those targeting the SGF.
Omololu warned the public against being misled by “fraudulent individuals hiding under Afenifere’s name to push personal or partisan interests.”
He alleged that some individuals within the Labour Party had continued to masquerade as Afenifere spokesmen, driven by selfish ambitions and bitterness. He also criticized the attempt to link Akume to an EFCC investigation involving one Andrew Uchi, labeling it a deliberate act of blackmail.
According to Omololu, the investigation against Uchi, who was wrongly believed to be an aide to the SGF, was in fact initiated by Senator Akume himself after observing suspicious financial behavior.
He described the accusation of complicity as malicious, irresponsible, and an embarrassment to the Yoruba nation.
“Afenifere supports due process, justice, and the rule of law,” he added. “The EFCC should be allowed to conduct its investigation without interference, coercion, or threats of protests.”
The statement emphasized that Afenifere remains a non-partisan and principled organisation and would not be a tool for political vendettas.
Reports show that Andrew Uchi was arrested in March by the EFCC over alleged multi-billion naira bribery and money laundering involving the acquisition of properties in Abuja, Jos, and several towns in Benue State. Two Bureau de Change operators are also being probed in connection with the case.
However, the SGF’s office has publicly disassociated itself from Uchi, insisting that he is neither an aide nor on its payroll.
A coalition of civil society organisations has also condemned attempts to link Akume to the fraud case, calling such efforts prejudicial and politically motivated.
“For clarity,” the CSOs stated, “Mr. Uchi is not employed by the Presidency, has no ties to the SGF, and is merely an opportunistic name-dropper.”
They praised Senator Akume for triggering the investigation and cautioned against attempts by a “so-called factional Afenifere” to manipulate public perception and discredit the SGF.
The coalition affirmed its commitment to fighting corruption but warned against using smear tactics to undermine the integrity of national leaders.
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