Professor of African Literature and Critical Thinking, Dr. Terhemba Shija, has said what is fascinating about the life of Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) is his long unbroken record and commitment to the public service.
Akume is celebrating 71 years of age today, 27th December, 2024, with goodwill messages pouring in from Very Important Persons (VIPs), including those that served with him in his cabinet while he served as Benue State Governor. Prof Shija was his Commissioner for Information and Culture and later Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, before he resigned to join academics.
The erstwhile gubernatorial aspirant on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC), Benue State describes Akume as “a Nigerian hero and patriot, who exemplifies the politics of Nigeria’s 4th Republic. He is Benue’s unique contribution to the nation for national integration.”
Prof Shija’s eight paragraph message, celebrating the SGF at 71 reads:
“That he is exactly 71 years old today is not the big deal. Many other successful Tiv men and women have attained such age and counting.
“That is really fascinating about his over three scores and a half years on earth is his long unbroken record and commitment to the public service, perhaps longer than any living Nigerian.
“Distinguished Senator George Igbeegbe Akume makes history as one of the very few Nigerians that has held positions of leadership in all the three tiers of Nigerian governments consistently for the last 45 years of his life.
“He is truly a Nigerian hero and patriot, who exemplifies the politics of Nigeria’s 4th Republic. He is Benue’s unique contribution to the nation for national integration.
“My friends and I warmly conngratulate the indefatigable Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) for attaining tha age of 71 in good health and divine favour.
“We yell Seventy-one resounding happy cheers to our Leader, our former governor, former Senator and minority leader in the Red legislative chambers and former Minister of Special Duties.
“We pray for God’s guidance and protection over his life as many more years of active public engagements.roll on.
“Enjoy your special day, sir.”
Akume reached the peak of his civil service career as Permanent Secretary. He was elected Governor of Benue State in 1999, re-elected in 2003 before his election to the Senate in 2007, where he served three terms. In 2019, he was appointed Minister for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs and in 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed him as the SGF.
