Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has issued a call to current and prospective political officeholders to prioritize the nation’s interests, unity, and progress over individual or sectional benefits.
Olusola Abiola, the Director of Information at the Office of the Vice President, conveyed in an official statement that Senator Shettima imparted this guidance during his address on Friday evening.
He was speaking at a reception arranged by the North-Central Governors’ Forum, held in Abuja to commemorate the appointment and achievements of Senator George Akume as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
Vice President Shettima who paid glowing tributes to the SGF in a message titled ‘a life of honour,” described Sen. Akume as “an idea, a man of honour, a beacon of unity, loyalty and integrity in our nation.”
“Let’s not only celebrate his appointment but also learn from his life. Sen. Akume’s political longevity is not by accident. It is the result of his unwavering pan-Nigerian principle, reflecting his wisdom and vision of a peaceful, stable, and safe Nigeria.”
The Vice President emphasized the virtues that have endeared the SGF to so many across political and ethnic lines, explaining that “we are not here to celebrate an individual; we are here to praise the potency of an idea; to raise a toast to a shining beacon of unity and integrity in our great nation.”
Speaking further on the SGF’s political journey, Sen. Shettima said: “On the path that has led our honouree to this strategic position, we find woven the threads of unshaken belief in the ideals of a united Nigeria. It is this belief that has been the driving force behind his every endeavour.
“The conviction that our strength lies in our unity and diversity, that together we are stronger than the sum of our parts, has guided his steps and fuelled his determination.”
The vice president noted that Sen. Akume “is the ally you can count on with your eyes closed, and that’s the highest compliment you can receive in politics. His journey to this height exemplifies his fidelity to the pact he has signed. It’s what you do when you have agreed to uphold the values that our great nation holds dear. It’s what you do when you subscribe to the principles of justice, fairness, and equality.”
The Vice President also underscored the significance of character for aspiring political office holders, noting that “there are offices for which no amount of academic and professional qualifications are sufficient to earn you.
“Our honoree is here today because of his loyalty to a cause greater than himself. In a time of wavering political loyalties, Senator Akume is both a model and a source of inspiration for all those who seek to understand the importance of cooperation in public service.
“What truly sets our honouree apart is his belief in fostering unity across the rich tapestry of religions, ethnicities, and regions that make up our nation. In a land of diverse cultures and traditions, his examples have transcended boundaries, bridging gaps, and nurturing understanding. His commitment to building bridges between different groups and backgrounds in one of the most challenging places to do so is the reason he is not just a man but an idea,” the Vice President added.
