By Abraham Great
In the great tableau of Nigerian politics and public service, the appointment of George Akume as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) stands as a testament to the wisdom and strategic foresight of our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Recalling the words of Abraham Lincoln, “Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.” With the appointment of George Akume, President Tinubu has chosen a man of unimpeachable Character, one whose reputation is undergirded by the sturdy tree of service and integrity.
George Akume’s track record is a symphony of achievements. His time as Governor of Benue State laid a foundation of infrastructure and economic stability. His sage words, “The only way to achieve anything worthwhile is through hard work and dedication,” were not mere rhetoric. They formed the bedrock of his governance style, providing the necessary impetus for growth and development.
In his roles as Minister of State for Agriculture and Water Resources and Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Akume demonstrated that “the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” He worked tirelessly to make his dream of a prosperous and food-secure Nigeria reality. This commitment to service was also evident in his efforts to foster intergovernmental harmony and improve government service delivery.
However, there is more to George Akume than just his professional accomplishments. His quiet strength, unwavering loyalty, and calm soul are the unseen but profoundly felt attributes that make him a leader of leaders. These qualities have endeared him to people and likely played a pivotal role in President Tinubu’s decision to entrust him with the role of SGF.
In Abraham Lincoln’s words, “No man has a good enough memory to be a successful liar.” George Akume’s integrity and honesty exhibited throughout his illustrious career, are a testament to his transparent leadership. His appointment as SGF affirms the faith that President Tinubu and all Nigerians have in his capabilities.
George Akume, as the new SGF, will undeniably serve our nation with utmost dedication, guided by his experience, wisdom, and integrity. In this light, President Tinubu’s decision to appoint Akume can be seen as not just wise but, indeed, a triumph for our nation. With Akume at the helm, our country is in capable hands, and I am confident that his tenure will usher in a new era of prosperity and unity for all Nigerians.