Speaking on Thursday at a public lecture held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, to commemorate the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, Senator Akume urged Nigerians to play active roles in strengthening democratic institutions and safeguarding the country’s hard-earned civil rule.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey since the return to civilian governance in 1999, the SGF described the past 27 years as a period marked by resilience, determination and significant progress.

According to him, the country has successfully conducted eight consecutive general elections and witnessed peaceful transfers of power across political parties and regions, including a historic transition from a ruling party to the opposition.

While acknowledging the gains of democratic governance, Akume said Nigeria must confront lingering challenges threatening the credibility of its democratic process.

He identified electoral integrity as a major concern, stressing that allegations of corruption within the electoral system continue to undermine public confidence. “Democracy is not merely the act of voting; it is the guarantee that every vote counts equally,” he stated.

The SGF highlighted achievements recorded under democratic rule, including economic expansion, improved financial inclusion and investments in critical infrastructure such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway.

He also pointed to reforms in the power sector and expanded access to education and healthcare through initiatives such as the Universal Basic Education programme, the National Health Insurance Scheme and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

Akume, however, cautioned against allowing ethnic, religious and regional divisions to weaken the country’s democratic foundations, even as he called for a sincere assessment of Nigeria’s democratic experience, urging citizens and institutions to interrogate their performance in meeting the aspirations of the people.

Describing the theme of the lecture, “27 Years of Democratic Governance: Achievements, Challenges and the Road Ahead,” as an opportunity for national reflection, the SGF challenged Nigerians to envision the kind of democracy they desire over the next 27 years.

“Nigeria is worth all our sacrifices and our democracy is worth defending,” Akume said.

“The present and upcoming generations are standing on the shoulders of those who struggled for civil rule, and they have both the responsibility and the opportunity to build the nation our founding fathers envisioned and which our children deserve to inherit”, Akume noted.

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This development was made by Abraham Double-D Dajoh in a Facebook post shared on Friday. In the statement, the family expressed joy in welcoming the new bride into the Dajoh family and described the union as a source of happiness for the entire household.

“We, the entire Dajoh family, happily join our daddy, uncle and brother, His Excellency, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume Jugu Dajoh, in welcoming his new and uncommon wife, Queen Zaynab Ngohemba-George Akume Dajoh into the Dajoh family,” the statement read.

The family also thanked supporters of Senator Akume for their continued goodwill and encouraged them to sustain their support, even as he begins this new chapter of his life. They concluded the message by wishing Nigerians a happy Christmas celebration and a prosperous New Year.

In the post, the family formally welcomed Queen Zaynab to Benue State, described as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” to Mbakor, regarded as the seat of leadership of the Tiv nation, and to the Dajoh family home. Several photographs accompanying the announcement show members of the family posing with the new bride.

Queen Zaynab was previously known as Queen Zaynab Otiti Obanor and was married to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, in a traditional ceremony held on March 12, 2016, in Benin City, Edo State, followed by a thanksgiving service and reception at the Royal Court of Ife in Osun State.

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The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, CON, made this known while delivering a keynote address at the 2025 Annual Dinner and Awards Night of the Council held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.

SGF described CORFEPS as an invaluable national asset whose collective experience remains central to enhancing policy formulation, continuity in governance, and effective public sector reforms.

He stated that the theme of the event, “Harnessing the Council of Retired Federal Permanent Secretaries as a Wealth of Institutional Memory for Nation Building,” is timely, as Nigeria continues to contend with the consequences of policy inconsistencies and implementation gaps.

According to him, “Nothing can replace experience. Members of CORFEPS are living repositories of institutional memory. The nation stands to benefit immensely from your insights, and the present administration remains open and committed to leveraging your expertise.”

The SGF highlighted recent efforts by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to integrate the wisdom of elder statesmen into governance, including the appointment of some CORFEPS members to key national positions across various agencies and commissions. He pledged that his office would continue to work closely with the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation to advance key proposals of the council.

Delivering opening remarks earlier, the Chairman of CORFEPS, Yayale Ahmed, CFR, emphasised that CORFEPS remains committed to continued patriotic service and nation-building. He described the Council as a sanctuary of wisdom and a custodian of administrative heritage, noting that retirement does not end service to the nation.

Guests at the Occasion were members of the Federal Executive Council, Heads of Public Service Parastatals and Agencies, Captains of Industry, Retired and Serving Permanent Secretaries, Directors and some Development Partners, among others.

This year, 2025, the CORFEPS Executive has also taken a decision to use the occasion of the Dinner to institute a CORFEPS Honours Award, recognising mostly the Fathers and Founders of that Body who were also the Titans of support to the growth of the Federal Public Service as we know it today. These include past and living legends such as Allison A. Ayida, Izoma Philip Asiodu, Francesca Emanuel, Alh. I. M. Damcida, Asiwaju Tunji Olutola, Alhaja Latifat Okunnu, among others.

Guests at the occasion were welcomed in the presence of contemporary Public Service Icons as, M. Yayale Ahmed CFR, who will be the Host. He is an Eminent Bureaucrat, Former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, former Minister of Defence.

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Daily Dates Nigeria reports that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, CON, made the call when the Managing Director and Founder of Solewant Group, Solomon Ewanehi, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.

Director, Information & Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen in a press release noted the SGF reaffirmed the commitment of the Tinubu-led administration to creating a conducive environment for Nigerian businesses to flourish through the Nigeria First Policy, which is yielding positive results.

Akume therefore called the indigenous companies to take advantage of the policy to reduce the nation’s dependency on imported products and services.

Sen. Akume commended the Founder of the Solewant Group for taking bold steps towards harnessing the divestment opportunities created by foreign International Oil Companies (IOCs) by investing in the oil and gas sectors with steel pipes, metal fabrication, and specialised coating solutions.

Speaking earlier, the Managing Director and Founder of Solewant Group, Solomon Ewanehi said that its company is spreading its tentacles across the production of steel pipe, coating materials and coating products as well as supply of coated pipe to oil and gas industry in Nigeria and across Africa. He also added that his company is working in line with the Federal Government’s marching order to the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) and other industry stakeholders to support initiatives aimed at significantly increasing the nation’s crude oil production.

He also acquainted the SGF of its plan to host the 9th Africa Energy Summit billed for November 27–28, 2025 in Port Harcourt where industry experts will converge to discuss on ways and means to improve on how we can increase productivity of crude oil and also be able to bridge up with the world.

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In a statement issued on Friday, Director, Information and Public Relations,OSGF, Segun Imohiosen stated that the “SGF has at no time made such an appointment, nor has any statement been issued from the office confirming the same.”

“For the avoidance of doubt, appointment of Special Advisers at the Federal level is the sole prerogative of the President and the Commander-in- Chief of the Armed Forces.

Segun Imohiosen called on the the public and media organisations to disregard the circulation of the unverified claims.

He said the news appears to be the work of some individuals with the intent of misleading the public for selfish gains, and to rely only on verified information officially released and duly signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, OSGF.

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Mbaeri was the former Permanent Secretary of the General Services Office (GSO), the engine room office of the OSGF.

The change of guard comes at a poignant moment, as national conversations around the pivotal role of Permanent Secretaries in sustaining governance were recently reignited by Finance Minister Wale Edun, who referred to them as “the backbone of government.”

During his tenure as Permanent Secretary of the General Services Office, Mbaeri was responsible for supervising activities within the SGF’s office, a role that placed him at the heart of federal administration. One of the highlights of his service was the privilege of presenting appointment letters to newly appointed Ministers and heads of federal agencies, symbolizing his central role in the nation’s governance process.

In a heartfelt ceremony held in Abuja, Mbaeri expressed gratitude to those who entrusted him with responsibility, particularly the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, CON, and former SGF, Boss Mustapha. Reflecting on his five-year journey in the SGF’s office, he praised the camaraderie shared with fellow Permanent Secretaries and urged continued unity in advancing the civil service’s mandate.

His successor, Mohammed Sanusi Danjuma, who now oversees both the Special Services and General Services Offices, described Dr. Mbaeri as “a mentor per excellence,” promising to build on the solid foundations laid by his predecessor.

The ceremony also doubled as a celebration of Mbaeri’s 60th birthday and retirement. Tributes flowed from dignitaries, including Sen. Akume and other senior officials, who described him as a dependable, strategic, and transformational figure in public administration.

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OSGF in a statement on Sunday state that the information is entirely false, misleading, and lack any basis in fact, as Mr. President has no any intention of doing so.

“The purported removal of the SGF from Office is only but a fabrication and a figment of the imagination of mischief makers who are out there to disinform and misinform the innocent public.

“President Tinubu reposes unwavering confidence on the capacity of the SGF to discharge his statutory obligation of formulating and implementing policies and programmes of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration.

“We urge the public, media organisations, and digital platforms to discountenance such rumours and to exercise caution as well as verify the authenticity of information before disseminating it as spreading unverified or intentionally false narratives not only undermines public trust but also poses a threat to the integrity of our institutions.

“Congruously, the previous press statement issued by the SA to Mr. President on Media and Strategy, Chief Bayo Onanuga resonates in no small measure the position of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on this matter. Therefore, Senator Dr. George Akume CON, remains the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

The rumours began after the sudden resignation of the National Chairman of All Progressives Congress, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

Ganduje’s exit gave indication that the next suitable politician for the position was the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.

Multiple sources also said Tinubu was considering Hadiza Bala Usman, ex-Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), as the next SGF.

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Uchi was invited by the operatives of the Commission, upon a petition received by the anti-graft agency over Alleged properties he acquired in Abuja, Jos, Makurdi, Gboko and Wannune in Tarka, local government Area of Benue State amounting to over N6 billion.

In a statement issued on Monday afternoon by the Director of Information, Segun Imohiosen wrote: “It is imperative to state categorically that the Office leadership is not in any way involved in the alleged misconduct as it has always maintained a strong commitment to transparency, accountability, and integrity.

“We recognize the efforts of the EFCC on this matter to ensure that those found culpable are held accountable.

“However, we urge the public not to speculate or draw conclusions as investigations are still ongoing.The OSGF appreciates the understanding and support of the public on this matter.

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In a meeting with Progressives Governors Forum (PGF), the Tinubu also named former Governor of Benue State and immediate past Minister of Special Duties, George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

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Ortom claimed that help has refused to come from the Buhari government because he speaks the truth, Daily Dates Nigeria reports.

He added that some members of the leading party, All Progressive Congress (APC), who approached him said that he would only get help if he returns to the party.

However, Ortom who has stood his ground, said he was not willing to sell his people out like other governors are doing, adding that he remains committed to them.

Ortom said he has been able to achieve so much with the few resources available to his administration.

According to the Governor, “About this again, I appreciate God, otherwise, I have been intimidated, I have been vilified, blackmailed and several other things. I mean well for our country Nigeria.

“I believe in Nigeria and that is why you see me carrying the colours of Nigeria and the colours of major ethnic nationalities in Benue State; the Tiv, Idoma, Egede and then the Nigerian flag.

“So I believe in Nigeria. United we stand and divided we fall. Our strength is in our unity in diversity. And I believe that our people should work together.

“But one thing that behoves on us is that I took the oath of office holding the bible, the president took the oath of office holding the Quran and so my understanding about the symbol of holding the bible or the Quran is that we will always say the truth.

“We will always protect the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This is what I stand for. We will always fight for equity, fairness and justice.

“This is what we should stand for and so I’m surprised that when I say things that can add value, things that can transform this country and make it better, people take offence against me and vilify me, they insult me, they say all kinds of things against me.

“The federal government has refused to help me in terms of ensuring that we clear the arrears of pension and gratuity which I inherited. It wasn’t my fault. Aper Aku had arrears of salaries and gratuity, Akume had, Adasu had, Suswan had and I also have. I also inherited it. 70 billion arrears of pensions, salaries and gratuity. It is not a new thing.

“The Federal Government gave me N28 billion and I appropriated it and unfortunately, it was not enough. Other people have been given more, but the Federal government, because of my stance in telling the truth, has refused to give me support.

“People came to me and said if you move to APC, we will support you and I said I cannot sell my people out like others are doing today, I can’t sell my people, I remain committed with the people.

“They elected me, their pain should be my pains and for whatever reasons with the number of people we have here, if you send them away from their ancestral land and take over, where do you want them to go?”

Governor Ortom, who won his first tenure under the umbrella of the APC, left the party prior to the 2019 general elections and won his second term as a candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

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