By Abasi Ita
Eminent Nigerian from all strata of the society have continued to rejoice with cerebral politician, Senator George Akume currently the Secretary to the Government of the Federation as he turned 70 today.
Blazing the trail on Tuesday,President Bola Tinubu commended the SGF for his consistency, penchant for excellence and dedication to duty as exemplified in his seamless coordination of the affairs of the federal government.
Conveying his impression through a statement endorsed by presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale on Tuesday, Tinubu noted with delight the “rich portfolio of leadership experience and laurels as governor, minister, senator and top- flight public servant culminating in seamless discharge of his official schedule
In his tribute, Senate President, Goodwill Akpabio described the erstwhile Benue State Governor as a”political machine of note and a great strategist who has mastered the art of weaving his successes even though troubled political waters”
According to Akpabio,” I have come to know him as a man who is deeply generous in heart and in acts, escalating God’s blessing for the good of the downtrodden and the needy, hence his nickname;Just George”
In a birthday message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio applauded Akume for his political sagacity which he averred tilted the political equilibrium in North Central in favour of the progressives after Akume jilted the People Democratic Party PDP to team up with the Action Congress led then by Tinubu to laid the foundation for the emergence of the APC.
Similarly, former governors under the auspices of the Former Governors Forum have congratulated the SSF on the occasion of his 70th birthday anniversary.
A statement issued in Abuja on Sunday by former Niger State governor currently the Chairman of the ground, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, and his deputy, Senator Gbenga Daniel(formerly Ogun governor)respectively showered praises on the one-time Benue governor for the imaginative and bold programs and people-oriented projects he initiated during his tenure in the Benue government house as well as his sacrificial efforts toward nation building.
The message reads in part” Senator George Akume is a politician who diligently pursued his goals, becoming one of the most experienced and successful political leaders of his generation”
In the same vein, the Commissioner, Ministry of Local Government Affairs in Cross River state Chief Victor Idem has eulogized Senator George Akume for his pragmatic and humanitarian posture which has endeared him to many across the country irrespective of religious and ethnic boundaries.
Speaking on the platinum birthday celebration of the iconic political leader, Idem opined that” Akume is a detribalized Nigerian with listening ears and ever ready to sacrifice his all just put a smile on one’s face because he abhorred seeing anyone in agony”
Idem attributed Akume’s meteoric rise from a trained sociologist, labor relations expert, local government council chairman, governor, senator, Senate Minority Leader, Minister, and the coveted position of the SGF to the grace of God, charismatic leadership attributes, and humane disposition.
Dr George Akume, who hailed from Wannune Tarka Local Government area of Benue was born on December 27th 2023. He obtained a bachelor degree in sociology and a master degree in labour relations from the famous University of Ibadan. He is a career bureaucrat and a product of the legendary Administrative Staff College of Nigeria, ASCON. Akume is also a member of the prestigious Green Tender Hall of Fame, at the University of Ibadan.