President Tinubu swears in new SGF, George Akume

Senator George Akume has assumed his role as the new Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF) following his swearing-in on Wednesday morning by President Bola Tinubu.

The President administered the oath of office on him in the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja witnessed by the SGF’s wife, Regina; Vice President Kashim Shettima; Senate President Ahmed Lawan; Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr FolasadeYemi-Esan.

With his inauguration, Akume, 70, who was Governor of Benue State from May 1999 to May 2007, becomes the 21st SGF of the federation.

The former governor and immediate-past Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, was elected into the National Assembly as the Senator representing Benue North West Senatorial zone in 2007 following his tenure as governor.

He was re-elected in 2011 and 2015 and during his term in the Senate, Akume served as Minority Leader from June 2011 to June 2015.

Prior to his political career, he started work as a civil servant in the Benue State Civil Service in 1979 as a Land Officer.

Over the years, he held various positions in both the State and Federal governments, retiring voluntarily as a Federal Permanent Secretary, Establishments and Management Services, in 1998.

Speaking to correspondents after the short ceremony, Akume expressed his joy over the appointment and assured that he would do the best of the ability for the success of the administration.

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 fulfillment in my responsibility as I discharge my duties.”