Kinsmen of the Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Sen. George Akume, have distanced themselves from allegations of corruption and misappropriation he levelled against Governor Samuel Ortom during his press conference in Abuja.
The forum also dissociated themselves from the call by Sen. Akume for the declaration of state of emergency in Benue state.
Jemgbagh Unity Forum led by Chief Yandev Amaa-Bai while briefing journalists on Friday, in Makurdi, said the allegations were most unfortunate and laughable.
Jemgbagh is made up of Buruku, Gboko and Tarka (Senator Akume’s home town), local government areas of Benue State.
Recall that Sen. Akume, in the said press conference, accused Governor Samuel Ortom of being disrespectful to Mr. President, saying he was corrupt, stockpiling arms and incapable of handling the security situation in Benue state.
“We found the outing of the Minister condemnable and unacceptable. Jemgbagh people are not known for such despicable acts. Akume has put the entire Jemgbagh in disrepute and we won’t tolerate it anymore. Since his infamous press conference, any Jemgbagh person seen in any part of the country is considered a traitor and one who hates the progress of others.
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“When has calling on the President to uphold his oath of office of protecting lives and property become a sign of disrespect? When has speaking out against well coordinated genocidal attacks of one’s people become insults?
“We also remember that in 2017 when President Muhammadu Buhari was hospitalised in London over an undisclosed ailment and was at a point rumoured to be dead, the Benue State Government in conjunction with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) organised prayer and fasting for the survival of the President. Does that sound like someone who has no regards for Mr. President?
“Akume’s allegation of corruption against Governor Ortom is most unfortunate and laughable. If we may ask, when did Akume realise that Ortom and his government is corrupt? Is it before the governor left the All Progressives Congress (APC) or after he left the party?
“We the members of the forum have no issue over the invitation for Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) and ICPC to probe Ortom’s administration but we only wish to remind Akume that when you point one accusing finger at someone, four fingers are pointing at you.
“Already, some commentators are requesting that the probe should start from 1999 to 2021. Also, to probe the N2 billion take off grant released for the Federal Polytechnic Wannune. He who comes to equity must come with clean hands,” the forum added.
