Senator George Akume has taken the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office as the new Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
He is the 21st person to occupy the position. He succeeded Mr. Boss Mustapha.
The swearing-in ceremony was conducted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
It was held at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Wednesday morning and witnessed by some serving and former Governors.
Among those who witnessed the ceremony were Vice President Kashim Shettima; Senate President Ahmed Lawan; Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Benue governor Fr. Hyacinth Alia.
Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan and wife of the new SGF, Regina Akume, also witnessed the event.
Akume, 69 was a former governor of Benue state between 1999 and 2007. He was also a senator, representing Benue North West between 2007 and 2015.
He was appointed Minister of Special Duties by President Buhari in 2019.
He is an alumnus of the University of Ibadan where he bagged a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a master’s degree in Labour Relations.
He was appointed on Friday by Tinubu to handle administrative organisation of the new government.
After his inauguration, Akume told reporters:
”It is an honour to be chosen to serve in this exalted position out of over 200 million Nigerians. It is a challenge to serve in line with the oaths I have taken today. I assure Nigerians I will do my best and I will not disappoint the President.
”I will not disappoint this country; I will not disappoint my party. I believe Nigerians will find fulfillment in my responsibility as I discharge my duties.”
English
Congratulations to Senator George Akume and the entire Nigerians for this appointment. I pray God will give you the wisdom to steer the affairs of Nigeria with His Excellency in the right direction. God bless you