President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has joined other eminent Nigerians in eulogising the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, on his 70th birthday celebration.
He described George Akume as one of the most reliable citizens Nigeria can boast of, adding that the SGF has a rich portfolio of leadership experience and laurels as Governor, Minister, Senator, and top-flight public servant, which he brings to bear on the current role.
President Tinubu spoke through his wife, Mrs. Oluremi Ahmed Tinubu at Wannune, the country home of the SGF in Benue State North Central Nigeria during a thanksgiving Mass organized by the SGF to mark his 70th birthday celebration.
He commended the SGF for his consistency and commitment to duty in coordinating affairs of government both within and with other arms of government, making himself accessible, focused and dependable in bridging the divide between policy and implementation.
The Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, also celebrated Akume, extolling his virtues of temperance, harmony and stability which he consistently personify in several ways, especially with the deep knowledge of Benue politics adding that the SGF was the maverick of politics in the State.
“Today, we celebrate a living political encyclopaedia. He has paid his dues and deserve all our respects. He is the maverick of our politics”.
Governor Alia said he had no doubts about the love the SGF has on Benue State, describing him as the living political encyclopedia of Benue politics and urged the people to always come to the SGF to study the State politics.
He admitted that the sermon delivered by Bishop Isaac Dugu had touched on the core issues that bordered on political development of the State.
The Governor called for synergy with members of the national assembly, State legislators and other party stakeholders in the State to support the SGF to succeed in order to build a better Benue State.
“I invite you all to join me to join Sen. George Akume to take Benue to a greater height. It is all about the State and not about us. And so, those who want to sow the seeds of discord will not succeed, for the things that unite us are greater than the things that seeks to divide us”.
In an expository sermon at the thanksgiving Mass, the Catholic Bishop of Katsina Ala Diocese, Isaac Dugu, said the appointment of George Akume as SGF was an honour not only deserving of Benue citizens or the North-Central Geopolitical configuration, but much more an honour deserving of patriotic and nationalistic Nigerians.
He explained that the blessings “Associated with his appointment was contained in the fulfilment of God’s promise and urged the SGF to also make conscientious efforts not to be decoyed into local standard.
“The SGF must avoid the temptation of being a victim of what I call, “The Idols of Dictatorship” and practice more the gains of the principle of subsidiarity”.
He commend Governor Alia in his efforts towards payment of salaries, building roads and improved transport services even as he charged him not to undermine the vehicles and platform that brought him to power.
“Dear Senator George Akume and Governor Hyacinth Alia, Benue State is the most blessed State in the country at the moment, because it has a Knighted Catholic as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and also a Catholic Priest as its Governor.
“Both of you are prominent Catholics, who must work and walk together to serve, to save, to protect and to help Benue State. If Benue State does not get it right even this time, it may never get it right again! And posterity will be most displeased with both of you”.
Bishop Isaac Dugu formally presented a letter on behalf of the Catholic Pontiff, Pope Francis congratulating the SGF on his 70th birthday Anniversary.
The Catholic Pontiff in the letter wished the SGF good health and strength and urged him not to relent in his diligent service to the country.
Responding, the SGF thanked President Bola Tinubu for finding him worthy to serve the nation in the capacity of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation describing the President as a great Nigerian who is at home to everyone and urged Nigerians to love one another.
Akume said he is writing his autobiography spanning over a period of 20 years which will contain about 10 pages dedicated to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu just as he assured that he would continue to do everything possible to ensure that Benue State is united for greater development.
The SGF commended those who for several years have have kept faith with him and supported him as well as those who identified with him on the occasion of his 70th birthday celebration and prayed God to reward them abundantly.
He assured him that Nigerians would soon begin to reap the benefits of President Tinubu led administration through the instrumentality of the Renewed Hope Transformation Agenda.
“It is now time for us to usher in the next level of shared Prosperity where the reforms and policies we have instituted shall play a vital role in our economic growth and stability for the benefit of all”.
The birthday anniversary was well attended by eminent Nigerians including past and serving Governors, among them were those of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas, Adedapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Ministers, Senators, APC national chairman, Mr. Abdullahi Ganduje, Ambassadors and foreigners.
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