7 Things to Know about George Akume, Tinubu’s Govt Secretary 

George Akume, Akume’s recent appointment as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) by President Bola Tinubu seems to be a fitting next chapter in his illustrious career. As a seasoned politician and statesman, he has been a pivotal figure in Nigeria’s political landscape for decades. He has been a steadfast proponent of progressive ideologies.

His influence extends beyond his senatorial district in Benue State, reaching the national stage where he has been a key player in shaping the country’s political landscape. With a career that has seen both highs and lows, including electoral victories and leadership in times of adversity

Akume earlier served as governor of Benue state

George Akume served as the Governor of Benue State from May 1999 to May 2007, a period that coincided with Bola Tinubu’s governorship in Lagos State. Contesting under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Akume made history by becoming the first Governor in Benue State to complete two full terms in office.

He served under the Buhari regime as a minister

George Akume was appointed as the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs by former President Muhammadu Buhari on August 21, 2019. His role under the Buhari administration paved the way for his subsequent appointment as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on June 2, 2023.

He was a senator representing Benue state

George Akume was elected as the Senator representing Benue North West senatorial district under the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). He served as the Minority Leader of the Senate from June 2011 to June 2015 and held the position of Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army. Akume was re-elected in the April 2011 elections on the ACN platform and again in 2015 under the All Progressives Congress (APC). 

During his time in the Senate, he was a ranking member and continued to serve as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army.

He was involved in fraud and forgery suit controversy

George Akume, despite his extensive political career, has not been without controversies. His contentious history dates back to his tenure as Governor of Benue State, where he faced accusations of corruption. In 2013, while serving as the Senate Minority Leader, Akume was embroiled in a certificate forgery lawsuit filed by a Benue State indigene.

However, he was cleared of these allegations by both the West African Examination Council (WAEC) and his alma mater, the University of Ibadan. More recently, in October 2021, the Benue State government petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to investigate him for alleged fraud amounting to ₦‎4.56 billion.

Akume is a key figure in Tinubu presidential election

George Akume was a key figure in the presidential election campaign of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, contributing significantly to his historic win. Leveraging his political acumen and extensive network, Akume mobilized grassroots support and forged crucial alliances that boosted Tinubu’s candidacy. 

His strategic approach to campaign management, which included innovative grassroots mobilization and effective messaging, helped to expand Tinubu’s political base. Akume’s deep understanding of Nigerian politics and his ability to unite diverse political factions created a broad-based coalition that was instrumental in securing Tinubu’s victory.

Akume is an ex-PDP chieftain

Senator George Akume was initially a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before he was allegedly pushed out of the party. He then joined the opposition, specifically the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), and won his election in 2011. Since then, Akume has become a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and served as the Minority Leader in the Senate.

Akume was recently flown to Germany for treatment

George Akume was allegedly flown to Germany for urgent medical treatment. The 69-year-old was transported to the European country about five days ago, as confirmed by a top presidential source.