President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Wednesday in Abuja sworn-in Senator George Akume as the 21st Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
Akume, who was governor of Benue State and immediate-past Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, took the oaths of allegiance and office in a ceremony held at the Council Chambers, State House.
Akume, 70 years old, served as Governor of Benue State from May 1999 to May 2007 after which he was elected into the National Assembly as the Senator representing Benue North West senatorial zone in 2007 and was re-elected in 2011 and 2015, demonstrating the trust reposed in him by his constituents.
During his term in the Senate, Akume served as Minority Leader from June 2011 to June 2015.
Prior to his political career, Akume started work as a civil servant in the Benue State Civil Service in 1979 as a Land Officer and later held various positions in both the State and Federal level before his voluntary retirement as a Federal Permanent Secretary, Establishments and Management Services in 1998.
Speaking to reporters after his inauguration, Akume said; “It is an honour to be chosen to serve in this exalted position out of over 200 million Nigerians.
“It is a challenge to serve in line with the oaths I have taken today. I assure Nigerians, I will do my best and I will not disappoint the President.
“I will not disappoint this country; I will not disappoint my party. I believe Nigerians will find fulfilment in my responsibility as I discharge my duties,” he assured.
Present at the ceremony were Vice President Kashim Shettima, Governors Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, the wife of the new SGF, Hon. Regina Akume, some senior government officials, former governors, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, family members and well-wishers.
