The Afenifere, a prominent Yoruba socio-political organisation, has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately suspend the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, over allegations of corruption coordinated by his aide, Torhile Uchi.

In a strongly worded statement signed by Dr. Bayo Adenuga, a factional publicity secretary of Afenifere, the group tasked President Tinubu to demonstrate his commitment to fighting corruption by suspending the SGF to pave way for an independent and unbiased investigation into the corruption case.

“It is unacceptable that verifiable cases of corruption such as the one superintendent upon by the SGF and his aide will be swept under the carpet during the tenure of an administration that has sworn to fight corruption to a standstill,” the statement read.

The group demanded that Akume be suspended to allow for a full, free, and comprehensive investigation into the gross allegations of corruption coordinated in his office and with his full consent. “An N80billion crime of money laundering uncovered by the EFCC using taxpayers’ money cannot be allowed to slip away like that. We demand accountability,” the statement added.

Afenifere gave the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) a 7-day ultimatum to update the public on the status of the pending investigation or risk a massive nationwide protest from the Yoruba nation, all lovers of democracy, and anti-corruption crusaders.

The group also reminded President Tinubu of his commitment to fighting corruption, citing the cases of Beta Edu and the NNPCL management. “Let us remind you, Mr. President that as a group that supports your administration’s anti-corruption drive, we owe you a duty to always cooperate with you to prosecute corrupt elements no matter how highly placed they might be,” the statement concluded.