The Renewed All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Council has raised serious allegations against the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Barrister Pius Akuta, accusing him of engaging in anti-party activities, corruption, and divided loyalty.
In a statement signed by the National Coordinator of the group, Comrade Abubakar Surajo Funtua, and released to the press in Abuja on Thursday, the group alleged that Akuta’s conduct at the Shippers Council runs counter to the ideals of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.
The group claimed that Akuta has been deliberately hostile to the Tinubu administration and has taken actions designed to undermine the government’s efforts, citing the mass sacking of staff at the Council as a calculated attempt to embarrass the President.
They further alleged that Akuta is loyal to former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, whom he is allegedly supporting financially with public resources. The group claimed that the Shippers Council boss is secretly funding Malami’s political interests and backing a new coalition that seeks to weaken the APC from within.
The statement also accused Akuta of manipulating contract awards and employment opportunities at the Council to favor close associates, in violation of the Procurement Act and the Federal Character principle. It was alleged that 70 percent of contracts are awarded to loyalists who are instructed to divert the proceeds into private accounts for political purposes, including Akuta’s rumored gubernatorial ambition in Benue State.
The APC Youth Council condemned these actions, describing them as a betrayal of the trust placed in Akuta by the party and the President. They claimed that his actions reflect a deliberate alignment with opposition elements working against the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“His loyalty lies with Abubakar Malami, not with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who entrusted him with a sensitive leadership role. It is even alleged that he has purchased a private jet for Malami, who he considers his political mentor,” the statement read.
The group called on the national leadership of the APC and the party’s chapter in Benue State to investigate the allegations, initiate a comprehensive audit of the Nigerian Shippers Council under Akuta’s leadership, and expel him from the party.
They insisted that individuals like Akuta, who they described as “anti-party agents,” must be identified and removed to safeguard the future of the APC and ensure the success of the Tinubu administration.
“The APC cannot afford to carry excess baggage. Anyone not working in harmony with the vision and mission of the President must be shown the door,” the statement concluded.
