By Cyril Ogar
A political group operating under the banner of the Renewed All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Council has leveled a series of allegations against the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Barrister Pius Akuta.
In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by the group’s National Coordinator, Comrade Abubakar Surajo Funtua, the council accused Akuta of engaging in anti-party activities, corruption, and disloyalty to the current administration.
The group claimed that Akuta’s conduct at the Nigerian Shippers Council runs counter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda. They alleged that the indiscriminate dismissal of staff at the Council under Akuta’s leadership was orchestrated to discredit the President’s administration.
The youth council further alleged that Akuta remains loyal to former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, who they claim he is secretly supporting with public funds. According to the statement, Akuta has been channeling resources towards Malami’s political ambitions and a new coalition allegedly aimed at undermining the APC.
In addition, the group accused Akuta of involvement in contract and employment racketeering, awarding a significant number of contracts to close associates in violation of the Public Procurement Act and the Federal Character Principle. They also claimed that recruitment under Akuta is conducted secretly and based on patronage rather than merit.
“Akuta is acting in clear opposition to the mission and vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. His loyalty lies with Abubakar Malami, not the President who entrusted him with a key position,” the statement read.
The youth group further alleged that Akuta is using proceeds from contract allocations to fund a secret gubernatorial ambition in Benue State, where he is said to be building a political structure through a coalition supported by Malami.
The council described the corruption within the Shippers Council under Akuta as “demonic” and insisted that such practices have no place in the current administration’s anti-corruption drive.
Calling for urgent action, the group urged both the National Chairman of the APC and the party’s leadership in Benue State to investigate Akuta, initiate an audit of the Shippers Council’s contracts, and expel him from the party.
“The APC must cleanse itself of individuals working against its success ahead of the 2027 general elections. Those who cannot align with the President’s vision should be shown the way out,” the statement concluded.