George Akume is a prominent Nigerian politician and the new Secretary General of the Federation. Here’s an overview of his background and political career:
Early Life and Education:
George Akume was born on December 27, 1953, in Wannune, Tarka Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. He obtained his primary and secondary education in Benue State and proceeded to the School of Basic Studies at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He later earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the same university.
Political Career:
Akume’s political career began in the early 1990s when he was elected to the Benue State House of Assembly. He served as a member of the assembly from 1991 to 1992. In 1999, with the return of democratic governance in Nigeria, he contested and won a seat in the Nigerian Senate representing Benue North-West Senatorial District.
Senate Tenure:
Akume served in the Nigerian Senate for three consecutive terms, from 1999 to 2011. During his time in the Senate, he held various positions of influence. He was the Senate Minority Leader from 1999 to 2005 and later became the Senate President Pro Tempore from 2007 to 2011.
Governor of Benue State:
In 2011, George Akume contested for the position of Governor of Benue State and emerged victorious under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He served as the governor of Benue State from 2011 to 2015.
Party Affiliations:
Although Akume was initially a member of the PDP, he later defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2014. He has remained a prominent figure within the APC and has played significant roles within the party at both the state and national levels.
Ministerial Appointment:
In July 2019, George Akume was appointed as the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs by President Muhammadu Buhari. As a minister, he is responsible for overseeing the coordination of special duties assigned by the president and fostering inter-governmental relations.
George Akume’s political career spans several decades, and he has held various positions of leadership and influence in Nigeria. He is now the Secretary General of the Federation as appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
