Sen. George Akume was sworn in as the 21st Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) on Wednesday by President Bola Tinubu.
Vice President Kashim Shettima and other top government officials attended the ceremony, which took place at the State House’s Council Chambers.
After the ceremony, the new SGF addressed the media and said it was a pleasure to represent Nigeria.
It is a challenge to serve in accordance with the oath I took today, he continued, “to have been chosen to serve in this exalted position.”
“I pledge to do my absolute best for Nigerians. I won’t let the president down. I won’t let this nation down. I won’t let my down. I think Nigerians will be content.
“I assure Nigerians I will do my best. 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 responsibilities as I discharge them in their own interest,” he added.
The immediate-past Minister of Special Duties and Integration and former governor of Benue State held a number of posts in both the state and federal administrations before voluntarily retiring in 1998 as the Federal Permanent Secretary of Establishments and Management Services.
The 69-year-old Akume presided over Benue State from 1999 to 2007. He then was elected to the National Assembly as a senator for Benue North West, where he held the position of minority leader from 2011 to 2015.
