Meet George Akume, The New Secretary to the Government of the Federation

Meet George Akume, The New Secretary to the Government of the Federation

President Bola Tinubu has named the immediate past minister of special duties and intergovernmental affairs, George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

A statement by Abiodun Oladunjoye
Director, Information, State House said Tinubu named Akume SGF at a meeting with Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) on Friday.

Born on December 27, 1953, Akume is alumnus of the premier university, the University of Ibadan where he obtained both the Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology and Master of Science Degree in Industrial Relations.

A consumate administrator, the new SGF rose through the ranks of civil service to pinnacle as  Permanent Secretary.

Akume commenced work formally as a Land Officer with the Benue State Civil Service, and rose steadily through the ranks in the public service until 1998, when he voluntarily retired as the Permanent Secretary (Establishments and Management Services).

During his civil service career, the Benue born politician served as Principal Secretary; Under Secretary and Director of Personnel Management at the Benue State Governor’s Office.

He was also a Sole Administrator of Idah Local Government Council (currently in Kogi State); and Sole Administrator of Gboko Local Government Council in 1991 and was later appointed Director of Protocol, Government House, Makurdi, in 1992.

Upon return of democracy in 1999, Akume became the governor of Benue state and governed for eight years. He was senator for Benue North West for twelve years during which he was Senate Minority Leader and Minister for Special Duty and Intergovernmental Affairs for four years.

While serving as Benue state governor, Akume was the chairman of the 19 Northern Governors and was instrumental to the abortion of the third term agenda of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.