The leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, and former Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, have felicitated with the secretary to the government of the federation (SGF) and former Benue State Governor, Sen George Akume, who clocked 70 years yesterday, December 27.
In a statement by his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs yesterday, Bamidele described the SGF as one of the few progressive generals, who through firmness, resilience and tenacity reclaimed Nigeria from the claws of regressive elements in 2015.
He specifically commended Akume for being consistent, firm and tenacious in the progressive struggle to reclaim Nigeria right from the era of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria to the dawn of All Progressives Congress in February 2013 and beyond.
He recounted Akume’s many contributions as Benue State Governor (1999-2007), Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (2007 – 2019) and Minister of Special Duties (2019 – 2023), pointing out his unflinching love for his people and his people’s love for him.
Also, the President of the Ninth Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan, said the illustrious and selfless political career of Akume, marks him out as an exceptional pillar of governance in Nigeria.
Lawan, in a birthday message to Akume, extols the latter for his remarkable contributions to the development and growth of the nation.
The former Senate President lauded Akume’s commitment in supporting President Bola Tinubu’s administration by ensuring effective policy implementation, efficient service delivery, and a collaborative approach to governance.
He recalled that the SGF, as a one-time minority leader of the Senate from 2011 to 2015; and Senator representing Benue North-West between 2007 and 2019, contributed significantly to legislative reforms and actively championed the aspirations of his constituents.