The Plateau Elders Advisory Council of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has appealed to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, to review the circumstances surrounding the removal of Hon. Amos Isaac Azi as Chairman of the Investments and Securities Tribunal (IST) and ensure the implementation of his reappointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The council said correcting what it described as an anomaly in the appointment process would prevent further embarrassment to the Federal Government and avert a possible legal battle.
The appeal was contained in a letter signed by the council’s Chairman, Ambassador Danladi Wuyep, and Secretary, Dr. Musa Garba Musa, and made available to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday.
According to the council, President Tinubu reappointed Azi as chairman of the tribunal in August 2025, but he was allegedly removed from office by the SGF, who subsequently appointed Mr. Aminu Junaidu as his replacement barely a month after Azi assumed office.
The council expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the development, alleging that Junaidu arrived at the tribunal’s headquarters with armed men in an attempt to take over the institution.
“We were shocked to later learn that after Mr. Azi had assumed office, one Mr. Aminu Junaidu from Zamfara State was appointed and arrived at the IST headquarters with armed men to forcefully take over.
“But for the maturity demonstrated by Mr. Azi, the situation would have degenerated into something else,” the council stated.
It appealed to Akume to intervene and address what it described as irregularities in the matter, warning that failure to do so could undermine the morale of party supporters.
The council further described Azi as a committed supporter of the APC who had remained loyal to the party from its formative years. It also identified him as an admirer of President Tinubu and one of the patrons of the Tinubu Support Organisation (TSO) in Plateau State.
The elders maintained that Azi’s reappointment had followed all due processes and complied with the relevant provisions of the enabling law.
They warned that allowing the matter to degenerate into litigation could expose the SGF’s office and the Federal Government to public embarrassment.
The council also expressed concern over an appointment letter allegedly being presented by Junaidu, which it said was signed by the SGF.
“We are curious because we know you are a strong and reliable pillar and protector of the interests of the people of the Middle Belt region,” the letter stated.
Recounting Azi’s previous tenure at the tribunal, the council said the institution was facing several crises when he was first appointed chairman.
However, it noted that his experience and professional expertise helped stabilise the tribunal and restore confidence in its operations.
According to the council, his performance earned him commendation letters from the Federal Ministry of Finance on several occasions.
It added that the then Minister of Finance subsequently recommended him to President Tinubu for reappointment.
The council said it had celebrated Azi’s reappointment in August 2025 but was disappointed by the subsequent developments.
It explained that its decision to intervene was informed by what it considered an injustice against an illustrious son of Plateau State and the need to seek a political solution before the matter escalated into avoidable litigation.
The elders also requested an audience with the SGF to discuss the matter and explore ways of resolving the dispute.
Appeal to APC National Chairman
In a related development, the council has written to the National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, urging him to intervene and ensure that President Tinubu’s approval of Azi’s reappointment is implemented without further delay.
The council called on Yilwatda to use his position to prevent actions that could create the impression of administrative lawlessness and undermine the integrity of the Tinubu-led APC administration.
It expressed concern that the controversy was unfolding against the backdrop of what it described as previous incidents involving fake agencies and questionable leadership appointments.
“The matter is already in the public domain, and we are seeking your intervention to avert the obvious embarrassment this matter may cause the government and your good self, as a son of the soil, should it assume a legal dimension,” the council stated.
The elders expressed confidence in Yilwatda’s commitment to justice, equity and good governance, while urging him to intervene urgently.
Other Groups Petition Senate, ICPC
The controversy surrounding Azi’s removal has also attracted the attention of other groups.
The Plateau Democratic Movement (PDM) had separately petitioned the Senate President and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), calling for an investigation into the alleged abuse of office in connection with Azi’s removal as chairman of the IST.
The PDM’s petitions followed an earlier move by the Make A Difference Initiative (MADI), a prominent advocacy group, which also petitioned the Senate over what it described as an alleged breach of the Investments and Securities Act 2025 by the SGF, Senator George Akume.