Onjeh Hails Akume as Exemplary Servant Leader at 70

Mary Nnah

The All Progressives Congress (APC) 2023 Senatorial Candidate for Benue South and former Chairman, Governing Board of the Projects Development Institute (PRODA), Enugu, Comrade Daniel Onjeh, has showered accolades on the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. (Dr.) George Akume CON, as he clocks 70 years today.

In a statement issued to the press, Onjeh described Akume as an exceptional leader, astute statesman, quintessential public servant and consummate Nigerian politician.

“A perfect gentleman, core grassroots politician and undoubtedly the most capped politician today from the old Middle Belt Region of Nigeria, Sen. Akume served as the Governor of Benue State from 1999 to 2007. He made history as the first Governor of the state to successfully complete two consecutive tenures in office”, Onjeh said.

Onjeh further reeled out Akume’s sterling career in the public service to include: Senator of the Federal Republic representing Benue North-West Senatorial District, from 2007 to 2019; and as Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Special Duties under the previous administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

“Today, Sen. Akume occupies the hallowed office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, where he serves as the chief bureaucrat of the Federal Republic, and frontline adviser to the Presidency. His office drives policy formulation, harmonization, implementation and monitoring of the various Federal Ministries, Department and Agencies. These are in addition to scores of sensitive federal parastatals domiciled in the Office of the SGF, making it the rallying point of the federal government”, he noted.

Onjeh further stated that he was privileged and honoured to meet Akume for the first time in 2002, in the build-up to his aspiration as the 20th President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

‘He was then the governor of my state, Benue; and he became the first state governor, perhaps the only one, that hosted me and my set of NANS National Executives. He offered me further support in the course of my stewardship as NANS President, and subsequently as President of the West Africa Students’ Union (WASU)”, revealed Onjeh.

The statement added that ever since, Akume has remained a father, leader, role model and mentor to Onjeh. The young APC chieftain further stated that when he ventured into partisan politics in 2010, Sen. Akume was there to offer him wise counsel and support, and has been instrumental to all he has accomplished thus far in the field of politics.

“He always welcomes me with open arms to his home, and I’m honoured to maintain a cordial relationship with the other members of his immediate family”, Onjeh added.

Describing Akume as a man passionate about nurturing leaders, just as he is committed to the development of Benue State and Nigeria at large, Onjeh stated that there were thousands of other young men and women out there who like himself, have benefited immensely from Akume’s political mentorship, and risen to positions of prominence either as elected or as appointed public officials.

‘He has brought his unequalled wealth of experience in governance, administration and public service to bear in contributing positively to the development of the country. Sen. Akume is imbued with much wisdom, sound judgment and imitable patience. A visionary adherent of inclusive leadership, he unremittingly exudes positive energy, grace and charm wherever he goes; and is an unmistakable embodiment of humility and piety”, the statement noted further.

Onjeh further described Akume as a bridge-builder per excellence, who relates effortlessly with people of all gender, ages, classes, tribes, religions and political divides.

Noting that Akume does not believe in the accumulation of mundane wealth, Onjeh stated that the elder statesman’s generosity and love for his fellow humans are evident in the lives of countless citizens of Benue State today, adding that he is firmly and constantly in touch with the grassroots, and ever accessible to his people.

“I have repeatedly stated that no politician from the North Central region has made as much sacrifice as Sen. Akume, towards building the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the region. His exceptional leadership, clear vision and steadfastness helped to sustain the structures of the APC for several years as an opposition party in Benue State, before he eventually led the party to clinch the state governorship in the last general elections, he noted.

Onjeh stated further that Akume first took up a humble appointment as a Land Officer with the Benue State Civil Service, and moved up steadily through the ranks until 1998, when he voluntarily retired as the Permanent Secretary (Establishments and Management Services) at the Federal Ministry of Education, Lagos State.

Onjeh noted that in the course of Akume’s exemplary public service career, he served as Principal Secretary; Under Secretary and Director of Personnel Management at the Benue State Governor’s Office. He was also a Sole Administrator of Idah Local Government Council (currently in Kogi State); Sole Administrator of Gboko Local Government Council in 1991 and later appointed Director of Protocol, Government House, Makurdi, in 1992.

Onjeh further stated that at seventy, Sen. Akume is still very strong, active and passionate about serving his country and humanity in general.

“Therefore, on this special occasion of his birthday, I pray for God’s abiding grace, wisdom, guidance and protection upon Sen. Akume’s life; as well as for many more purposeful, prosperous and impactful years in the service of the Creator and humanity”, Onjeh added.