Shortly after assuming office, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made several appointments. Femi Gbajabiamila, the outgoing Speaker of the House of Representatives, has been appointed as the new Chief of Staff, while Ibrahim Hadejia, a former Deputy Governor of Jigawa State, has been appointed as the Deputy Chief of Staff.
On Friday, George Akume, a former Minister of Special Duties, was appointed as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
George Akume, 70 years old, was born on May 27, 1953, and is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Akume holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the same institution. He has had a long and distinguished career in Nigerian politics, serving as the Governor of Benue State from May 29, 1999, to May 29, 2007.
After his tenure as governor, Akume transitioned to the federal level of politics and served as a senator representing Benue North-West Senatorial District from 2007 to 2019. He also held the position of Senate Minority Leader, where he played a crucial role in coordinating the activities of the minority party and advocating for his constituents.
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In 2019, Akume was appointed as the Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing intergovernmental affairs and executing special duties assigned by the President.
As the new Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Akume succeeds Boss Mustapha.
The SGF is a senior government official who plays a vital role in the executive arm of government.
The responsibilities of the SGF include coordinating and supervising the activities of various ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) of the government. They also provide advice and guidance to the President and the Cabinet on policy matters and ensure the implementation of government policies.
The SGF organizes and coordinates the meetings of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), the highest decision-making body of the government. They also promote coordination among different ministries and agencies to avoid duplication of efforts and ensure efficient resource utilization.
Similarly, the SGF oversees the recruitment, training, and management of civil servants at the federal level. They maintain discipline, ensure compliance with rules and regulations, and promote professionalism within the civil service.
The SGF plays a crucial role in organizing official ceremonies, state functions, and managing protocol matters. They also work closely with security agencies and stakeholders to address security challenges and manage emergency situations.
Furthermore, the SGF serves as a point of contact between the federal government and state governments, facilitating communication, collaboration, and coordination between the different tiers of government.
As the new Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume is charged with the responsibility of ensuring the effective functioning of the Nigerian government by coordinating administrative activities, providing policy advice, and overseeing intergovernmental affairs.
