Akume’s camp kicks as he’s accused of ordering burning of Gemade’s residence

Tervere Begha, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue, has accused George Akume, minister of special duties, for ordering the destruction of the homes of Barnabas Gemade, a former senator, and Michael Aondoakaa, a former minister of justice.

Begha said the order is a result of the case filed by Aondoakaa in court challenging the emergence of Hyacinth Alia as the gubernatorial flag bearer of the APC in Benue.

The suit is before the federal high court in Abuja.

The APC chieftain alleged that Akume ordered Tertindi Sado Adom, the party’s youth leader in the state, to burn down the homes of the aforementioned duo if the case is not withdrawn from court.

“The APC youth leader boasted that the party was firmly in the hands of its leader and would not tolerate any form of dissent from anybody whose name is not in its register,” he said in a statement.

“He said a rapid response squad is now on standby to deal decisively with enemies of Akume and unwarranted litigants like Shija Gemade and Aondoakaa who feel dissatisfied with the APC primaries.”

In reaction, the media office of the minister denied the allegation, saying that Akume never instructed anyone to destroy the home of any Benue resident.

“The allegation is not true and unfounded,” the media office told TheCable.

“APC youths and party members are agitated by the legal actions instituted by Chief Gemade and other APC Governorship Aspirants against Rev. Fr. Alia, who is believed to enjoy massive support across party lines.

“Some supporters of the aspirants are bragging that the APC may not have a Governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections as a result of the court cases. This is the reason for the anxiety and at best the people in court are crying wolf where there is none.”