News Editor
From Edwin Philip
Secretary to Government of the Federation, ( SGF) Dr George Akume has called on Nigerians to support the administration of president Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his desire to transform the country especially, through the ongoing economic reforms.
Akume made the call while speaking to journalists shortly after attending his 71st birthday anniversary thanksgiving mass held in his private chapel in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
He charged journalist not to be driven by sinister motives in their reportage of President Tinubu activities and the general administration of APC government, thanking Nigerians for their support.
“God loves this country so much that is why he has given us someone who can lead us across the desert, we have to rally support for the president for that to happen, I want to thank you so much for your support at all times, write what you know is right, don’t distort facts because of other sinister motives, look at the good side of that news”, SGF said.
On her part, Wife of the SGF, Hon Regina Akume said her husband owes Almighty God all the thanksgiving for keeping them alive, strong, healthy and placed them in positions of authority for a long time.
She appreciated Nigerians and Benue people in particular for their support in finding them worthy to occupy several positions in the State and at the national Level
“I want to thank God first, the Almighty, the one who is and who will ever be for bringing us together as husband and wife and kept us alive till now. My husband began as Secretary of Gboko Local Government Area, after his Masters Degree from the University of Ibadan. He was appointed sole administrator in Idah after then he was made sole administrator of Gboko LGA. From there, he was appointed Deputy Director and later, Director of Protocol at the government house.
She elaborated that Akume was subsequently elevated to the rank of permanent secretary establishment after which he served as governor twice, senator thrice, a minister and now SGF”
“We thank God for the good health, even at old age, we are not in a wheelchair we are walking with our legs and this our house belongs to the people, I want to thank God and thank Nigerians for the opportunity given to us to serve them. I am in the House of Representatives now, and he is SGF. Is it not surprising to you?” She asked rhetorically.
Also speaking, an associate of the celebrant, Senator Jack Tiley Gyado, described Senator George Akume as a good friend.
“My friend distinguish Senator George Akume is quite remarkable in the sense that in his 71 years of sojourn on earth, he has done a lot of unique things which are marvelous in the eyes of God and I have a strong belief that George Akume will hit a century and far beyond that because he is not yet done with what God has sent him to do in this world”.
He is very humble, he is our leader, he is our undisputed leader he is the leader of my party, he is the leader of APC in the state, he is the leader of this party throughout the North Central and he has very close relationship with Mr president under whom he is serving as the secretary to the government of the federation.
He has a lot of harmonious relationship which is important to this country, having served as governor of Benue State between 1999 to 2007, thereafter worked for 12 years as ACN senator during which he was minority leader working also with Mr president, while in the Senate he was with Mr president’s wife, they’ve come along way that unity and relationship means a lot to this country” he added.
According to Gyado, Akume has history and has date with the future ” I wish him pleasant birthday and God will bless him. I am 80 years old, and when I speak my blessings upon him, I believe the Almighty God will hear me.”
Speaking to TMSnews also, Ambassador Musa Muhammed Tukiye National president, APC initiative for good governance, said Senator Akume is a great man who has made himself available positively in the lives of the people and has invested so much in the lives of so many people, living a life worthy of emulation, a catalyst in the renewed hope agenda.
“I want to advise the people of Benue that in every State there is a Governor but we have only one secretary to the government of the Federation and it happens to be from Benue State, so they should hold him, support him and give him all the necessary backing that will make him triumph in this position, restating that Akume is a material as far as Nigeria is concern and we are praying and hoping that he will make a step forward in leadership in his position”
The 71st birthday anniversary of George Akume, brought together family members, friends and associates from all walks of life, observed as a low keyed event compared to his 70th birthday celebration which took place in 2023 at his ancestral home of Wanune in Takar Local Government Area of Benue State.
