TheCable

President Bola Tinubu has sworn in George Akume as the secretary to the government of the federation (SGF).

The swearing in ceremony took place at about 11:16 am on Wednesday at the council chambers of the presidential villa, Abuja.

Dignitaries, including serving and former governors, were in attendance as Akume took his oath of allegiance and oath of office.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima; Senate President Ahmed Lawan; AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, governor of Kwara state; and Folashade Yemi-Esan, head of the civil service of the federation, were present at the brief ceremony.

Regina Akume, wife of the new SGF, was also in attendance.

The president, on June 2, announced the appointment of Akume as the SGF and Femi Gbajabiamila, the outgoing speaker of the house of representatives, as his chief of staff.

Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, a former deputy governor of Jigawa state, was named deputy chief of staff.

Akume served as minority leader of the senate from June 2011 to June 2015.

He was governor of Benue state from 1999 till 2007 — the same period Tinubu governed Lagos.

‘I WILL NOT DISAPPOINT’

Speaking with reporters after his inauguration, Akume said he will not let the country down.

“It is an honour to be chosen to serve in this exalted position out of over 200 million Nigerians. It is a challenge to serve in line with the oaths I have taken today,” he said.

“I assure Nigerians I will do my best and I will not disappoint the president.

“I will not disappoint this country; I will not disappoint my party.”

Akume added that Nigerians “will find fulfilment in my responsibility” as he discharges his duties.