Group drums support for Tinubu, Akume; says Organised Labour deserves commendation for suspending protest

● Raps Audu Ogbeh, others for calling for SGF’s removal

Coalition for the Survival of Nigeria (CSN), a non-state actor, has drummed support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he continues to confront the socio-economic issues bedeviling the country.

The group also commended President Tinubu for tapping the experiences and expertise of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume and the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila

In a press statement on Monday in Abuja, the group said it was aware of the present austere economic circumstances of the country; and was deeply concerned about the plight of fellow citizens and hardship currently being endured;

It, however, expressed confidence in the abilities of the current drivers of our nation; and, also aware of orchestrations of certain elements who are bent on overheating the system;

The positions of the group were contained in a text read by the Chairman of the group, Chief Ezekiel Irmiya Afukonyo.

The group said; “Like all Nigerians, we bear the pangs of the present hardship occasioned by the dire straits and constrictive circumstances surrounding the inception of office of the present administration;

“We salute the courage with which President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, GCFR, confronted the situation with bold measures taken so far in ensuring better future for Nigerians.

“We salute the wisdom of Mr. President for the quality of Nigerians whose expertise and experiences he has tapped to assist him in the task of governance. We refer in particular to the appointments of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Distinguished Senator George Akume, and the Chief of Staff to the President, former Speaker, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, who are round pegs in round holes.

“We also salute the patience, forbearance and support of Nigerians for the Government despite the incitements by agents-provocateurs and the sense of patriotism displayed by Nigerians who are convinced that the steps being taken by the Present administration may bear pains today but would deliver gains tomorrow.”

The group added: “In this vein, we urge the President to remain firm, focused and committed to the ultimate rescue of the Nigerian economy from further dwindle and the ultimate protection of life and property of Nigerians and setting her on the path of growth and development.

“Likewise, we applaud the resilience and commitment of the leadership of the Organized Labour who displayed their love for the nation by calling off their protest action after meeting with the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“We salute Nigerians for their understanding and support for the government in spite of the current hardship experienced due to the removal of fuel subsidy. The palliative packages announced by Mr president will address most of these challenges.”

On the perceived distraction from a former minister and Idoma leader, Chief Audu Ogbeh, the group said that its members were shocked to hear and read from the media, the outbursts from Chief Ogbe, Gen. Lawrence Onoja and their group over appointments.

“We know these men to be highly placed and privileged Nigerians who have held national offices of trust and responsibility. Their case is that a section of Benue State is dominating the other ethnic groups in the governance of the State. Pursuant to this, one of them, Hon. Inalegwu Adaje, said that Senator George Akume should be removed from office as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), over the nomination of a Minister.”

The group declared: “We find this call preposterous and unfortunate,” adding the Ogbeh and co were trying to drag President Tinubu into domestic affairs of Benue State.

 “Let it be stated emphatically that some of us are from minority groups in our various States and many of us are friends of people of Idoma and Egede extractions.  The act of balancing and spread in a heterogeneous society is a mark of political brinkmanship and nation building, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu easily leads in that regard.

“We appeal to this group of individuals not to drag Mr. President into the domestic affairs of Benue state.  Nevertheless, we know that the history of federal appointments from Benue does not support the case of this group.

“Chief Ogbe referred to States where governorship rotates between and among the senatorial districts. He may have forgotten the many others where this is not the case. However, this extra-constitutional practice is the product of intra-state negotiations and cooperation, not confrontation and castigation.

“The appointment of Senator George Akume, a great Benue leader is however a national issue and not made on the basis of state consideration. It could have come from any other State in Nigeria. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu saw a detribalized leader like himself with God-given talents, virtues and qualities which are now deployed in the service of our dear country.”

The group draws its membership from the six geo-political zones of the country and comprises, among others, Mr LovertyTerr Makyur (Benue), who is the convener, Dr Eugene Okolocha (Delta), Alhaji Shehu Abubakar (Bauchi), Mr Sufuyan Ojeifo (Edo), Mr. Uche Ulokwe                                     (Imo State), Mr. Johnson Ondoma (Benue State), Hon (Rev) Uche Ukadike Ibeabuchi (Anambra State), Commander Manu D Yagdah (Retd) (Borno State), Hon Oni Olumide (Ekiti State), Hon Taiwo Michael Akintola (Oyo State), Mr. I.M. Hassan (Gombe State), Alhaji Abba Mohammed (Bauchi State), Prince Hussein Ithiel Tanyishi (Adamawa State), Hon Barrister C.J. Chinwuba (Anambra State), Hon Chief Ozo Obodougo Obumneme (Enugu State), Dr Don Abia (Akwa Ibom State), Hajia Zainab Pawa (Jigawa State), Dr Okey Ibekwe  (Delta State), Prince Hassan Ithiel Tanyishi  (Adamawa State) and Engineer Kayode Olomo ( Kwara State), among others.