Senator George Akume, SGF (celebrant)
By Edwin Philip
Secretary to the Government of Nigeria Federation ( SGF) Senator, Dr George Akume has solicited more supports for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the success of the policies and programmes meant to transform all facets of the national life, especially, the ongoing economic reforms, wishing Nigerians peace and love in 2025.
The SGF made this known while speaking to journalists shortly after attending his 71st birthday anniversary thanksgiving mass held in his private chapel at his residence in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, Friday December 27.
He charged journalists not to be driven by sinister motives in their reportage as regards President Tinubu, Nigeria and the activities of government, thanking them for their service and support for him at all times.
“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 round him 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” he said.
The wife, Mrs Regina George Akume, while speaking during the occasion, said the family owe the Almighty God all the gratitude for keeping the family together alive, strong, healthy and placed them in positions of authority for a long time.
She thanked Nigerians and Benue people in particular for their supports and finding them worthy to occupy several positions in the State and at the national Ievel.
“I want to thank God first, Almighty, the one who is and who will forever be for bringing us together as husband and wife and kept us alive till now, he began as Secretary, Gboko Local Government Area, after his master degree in University of Ibadan and later, he was appointed sole administrator in Ida, after then he was made sole administrator of Gboko LGA, later on the deputy protocol Director and a full director and was elevated to a Permanent Secretary establishment, served as a governor for 8 years, and three term senator, 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 giving us the opportunity to serve them. I am in the house of representative now, and he is SGF is it not surprising to you”? she asked.
An associate of the celebrant, Sanator Jack Tiley Gyado, described senator George Akume as a jolly good friend.
“My friend distinguish Senaror George Akume is quite remarkable in the sense that of the 71 years of his 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 live a century and far beyond because is 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. He is the leader of this party throughout the North Central and has very close relationships with Mr President under whom he serves as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. He has alot of harmonious relationship which is important to this country, having served as governor at the same time 1999 to 2007, thereafter he worked for 12 years as ACN senator during that time 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 alot of history and has date with the future ” I wish him pleasant birthday and God will bless him. I am 80 years and when I speak my blessings upon him I believe the almighty God will hear me” .
Speaking to journalists, Ambassador Musa Muhammed Tukiye National president APC initiative for Good governance, said Senator Akume is a great man and has made himself available positively in the lives of the people as he 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 his position. 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, so that is our hope and prayers” he added.
Krestnews.com reports that the 71 birthday anniversary of the SGF, Senator George Akume , brought together family members, friends and associates from all works of life even though it is perceived to be low keyed as compare to his 70th birthday celebration which took place in 2023 at his ancestral home in Wanune in Takar Local Government Area of Benue State.(Follow www.krestnews.com)