Senator Akume made the clarification on Tuesday while responding to questions during the World Press Conference held in Abuja as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 27th Democracy Day Anniversary.

The SGF recalled that the annulment of the June 12 election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest election in Nigeria’s history and won by Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, necessitated far-reaching political decisions aimed at preserving national unity and strengthening the country’s democratic foundation.

According to him, leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) met in Kaduna under the leadership of the late Chief Solomon Lar and Alhaji Adamu Ciroma to deliberate on the way forward, with power shift and the party’s presidential candidature featuring prominently on the agenda.

“It was a tough argument before the issue of rotational presidency was agreed on. At the end, we had to concede. We must do this. June 12 annulment had complicated the whole thing. It was finally agreed that we’ll be alternating between North and South.

“Atiku was one of the leaders at that meeting, which was convened by Chief Solomon Lar. He was part of that agreement,” Senator Akume stated.

The SGF explained that the decision to alternate presidential power between the North and the South emerged from the need to address the political consequences of the June 12 annulment and to promote inclusiveness and national cohesion.

Reflecting on the significance of June 12, Senator Akume described the annulment as a painful setback to the democratic aspirations of Nigerians, noting that the election was adjudged free, fair and credible.

“Abiola won that election round and square. That election was annulled by the military government. It was very painful because the people spoke and they spoke freely. They made their own choice,” he said.

He added that one of the most enduring lessons from the June 12 experience is the supremacy of the people’s will in a democratic society.

“The first lesson is that the voice of the people must always be supreme; it must be sacrosanct. That’s the beauty of democracy. We prefer the ballot to bullets,” he said.

Senator Akume expressed confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions, particularly the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), saying the country has learnt valuable lessons from the events of 1993 and would never allow a repeat of such an annulment.

“If an election is conducted very fairly, and one wins no problem. The actors at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are not young people, they were adults when this thing happened. If we were to take a poll at that time, over two thirds of Nigerians would have condemned that act of annulment.

“Fortunately, for us, those at INEC are men of honour and integrity, they are well read that patriotic Nigerians, and they’re determined to also make a difference. Never again would such happen in this country.
You win, you win. When you lose, go back and prepare for another election. Look at the American example. President Trump lost to Joe Biden. He didn’t bring America down.
He went back prepared and came back and won. That’s the beauty of democracy.

“We have decided to embrace democracy. That is why, for 27 broken years, we are enjoying this freedom in a democratic setting. We love the values and the morals of democracy, and there is no system that is as beautiful as democracy.

“It is under a democratic system that you can insult your president and to insult anybody and still go to bed, and you don’t receive a midnight knock on your door. Try it under a totalitarian regime.” Akume stated.

He urged political actors to embrace democratic principles, respect electoral outcomes and continue to strengthen the nation’s democratic culture.

The SGF further noted that Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule underscore the country’s commitment to democratic values, freedom of expression, the rule of law and peaceful political participation.

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In his remarks, Sen. Akume emphasised the importance of the project in significantly transforming Nigeria’s transport infrastructure to enhance economic and industrial growth.
‘‘The proposed project, which is estimated at Two Hundred Billion United States Dollars (US $200 Billion) is envisioned as a multi-phase programme that integrates gas development, power generation and transmission, and the construction of a 4,000-kilometre high-speed rail network connecting major economic corridors of the country, including Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt. The project has the potential to significantly transform Nigeria’s transport infrastructure, strengthen energy security, stimulate industrial growth and deepen national integration’’.

According to the SGF, part of the mandate of the committee is to carefully examine all relevant documentation, verify claims made by the project proponents, review the technical, legal and environmental aspects of the proposal and provide objective, evidence-based recommendations to guide government decision-making.

He further urged members of the Committee to approach the assignment with professionalism, objectivity and patriotism and also engage with relevant stakeholders to ensure due diligence and compliance with international best practices.

The Technical Committee, which was chaired by the Permanent Secretary (Political & Economic Affairs Office), has the following membership: Permanent Secretaries from the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Federal Ministry of Finance, Federal Ministry of Justice, and Federal Ministry of Environment.

Other members include Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC), Director-General, Nigeria Governors Forum, Cenral Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Department of State Services (DSS), Debt Management Office (DMO), Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation (OSGoF) and Economic, Monitoring & Research Department (OSGF), as the Secretariat.

In his presentation of the proposed project, the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of De-Sadel Nigeria Limited, Mr Samuel Ukoh, described the project as an innovative endeavour that will change Nigeria’s transport infrastructure.

According to Mr Ukoh, the project is a 4,000km dual-track high-speed rail that cuts inter-city travel time by 75% and links all 36 states and the FCT. He added that the first phase connects key cities, which include Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt, assuring that it would include the generation of about 3,500 megawatts of power to drive the high-speed rail system.

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The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, CON, made the disclosure while presenting his special remarks at the National Convening and Report Launch on Strengthening the Nexus between Democracy and Economic Development in Nigeria on Thursday, 9th April, 2026, in Abuja.

The SGF, who was represented by the Permanent, General Services Office, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni, stated that the Federal Government remains open to constructive, evidence-driven engagement and will continue to collaborate with the National Assembly, sub-national governments, the private sector, civil society, and development partners to strengthen democratic governance as a foundation for inclusive economic growth.

Head, Information & Public Relations Department, OSGF, Chris Ugwuegbulam who issued the press release on the event said the SGF stressed that there is a need to build and sustain confidence in democratic institutions and processes through transparency, credible electoral systems, trusted dispute resolution mechanisms and a legislative environment that promotes effective oversight and representation for all citizens. He added that strengthening these pillars will not only enhance governance outcomes but also encourage deeper collaboration with development partners, including the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

In his remarks, the former President and Chairman of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, underscored the importance of freedom and justice as key elements, through which democracy thrives, enjoining government to ensure that these elements are entrenched in the democratic process for economic development.

At the formal unveiling of the report, The Democracy Dividend: Governance and Growth, the Executive Director of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, Ann Iyonu, outlined 10 policy imperatives that will catalyse national growth and development, which centre on fiscal discipline, digitised procurement, and transparency in democratic processes. She therefore called on policymakers, legislators, civil society and development partners to engage openly with the report findings and translate evidence into practical policy actions.

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Senator Akume made the declaration in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, during the North Central Zonal Congress of the APC, where party leaders and delegates gathered to deliberate on the future of the party in the region.

Motion for the President’s adoption as the sole presidential candidate of APC, was moved by Akume and seconded by the Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr Abdullahi Sule, with a thunderous affirmation from all the delegates.

All the governors from the North Central zone as well as most former governors and their deputies, serving National and state Assembly members, Ministers and a host of other former and current political office holders graced the epoch-making event.

Addressing the Congress, Akume said the endorsement was a reflection of the confidence reposed in Tinubu’s leadership and the administration’s ongoing efforts to reposition the country.

Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the SGF, Yomi Odunuga, in a statement on Wednesday said the Sen. Akume bears a responsibility to ensure unity and strategic alignment among party stakeholders in the region.

Akume during his speech emphasised that the zone remains committed to the ideals of the APC and will continue to support policies and programmes aimed at economic recovery, infrastructure development and national cohesion.

Akume further called on party members across the zone to close ranks and work collectively to consolidate the party’s achievements ahead of the next general elections.

He stressed that early consensus on Tinubu’s candidacy would provide the APC with a strategic advantage and allow the party to focus on governance and delivery.

He also assured that the zone would give the president the highest votes among the six geopolitical zones in the country at the presidential poll.

His words: “The North Central has done so much for this country to preserve the country’s unity. Nigerians are proud of you. And we must be proud of ourselves. Our governors and ministers are performing exceptionally.

“I’m always honoured about our governors whenever I meet them. With the politicians I’ve seen here, North Central will provide the highest number of votes amongst the six geopolitical zones”.

The endorsement was met with applause and affirmation from delegates, many of whom described it as a necessary step towards maintaining stability within the party and ensuring continuity in leadership.

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Senator Akume who spoke as the Chairman of SUN Newspaper 2023 Award Ceremony at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos said President Bola Tinubu in less than nine months on the saddle recorded positive accomplishments in diverse sector.

Full speech below:

Protocols

DISTINGUISHED GUESTS.

AWARDEES,

FRIENDS OF THE SUN,

GENTLEMEN OF THE PRESS,

It is with immense pride that I stand before you today at this esteemed ceremony: The Sun Awards 2023. This gathering serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us of the remarkable Nigerians who selflessly contribute to our nation’s progress. I commend The Sun newspaper for consistently recognizing such individuals, inspiring us all to strive for excellence.

Let me convey my heartfelt congratulations to all our esteemed awardees! Your achievements across diverse fields serve as a testament to the determined spirit and potential of Nigerians. Being singled out by a publication like The Sun, renowned for its critical analysis and professionalism, is indeed, a true honor Furthermore. I applaud The Sun for its commitment to seeking out and celebrating exceptional Nigerians. By highlighting their contributions, you encourage not only individual growth but also national development. This recognition fosters a sense of purpose and motivates others to emulate such dedication.

Nation-building is a collective endeavour, requiring the active participation of both the government and its citizens. While the government discharges its moral and constitutional obligations, it behooves the citizenry to also reciprocate through loyalty. hard work and commitment to nationhood.

I therefore use this medium to urge all Nigerians, irrespective of professional calling. tribe, creed or persuasion, to strive to be part of the solution, actively seeking ways to contribute to our nation’s progress. Even seemingly small actions, when multiplied by millions, can create a significant positive impact. Remember, every effort, however big or small, contributes to the collective good.

Dear compatriots, like many nations. Nigeria faces challenges. However, it is crucial to acknowledge our collective resilience in overcoming past adversities. We emerged stronger from the civil war, navigated economic recessions, and persevered through the COVID-19 pandemic. The resilient Nigerian spirit defines us as a nation as sets us apart.

The administration administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu shall remain steadfast in its commitment to building a brighter future for all Nigerians, under the RENEWED HOPE AGENDA. While progress may seem slow at times, the vision for a better tomorrow remains resolute. We shall soon navigate successfully, the current economic challenges. Let us join hands and support the government’s efforts, united in our pursuit of a truly great Nigeria.

Let me at this point, place on record that despite the humongous inherited and emerging socio-economic challenges, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. GCFR has in less than nine months on the saddle recorded positive accomplishments in diverse sector. The following represent the synopsis of a few of these accomplishments:

(i) Agriculture and Industrial Development:

(a) Increase in supply of subsidized fertilizer

(b) Supply of farm inputs such as seedlings and implements

(c) Expansion of investment in agricultural irrigation to increase food production

(d) Establishment of Skills Acquisition Centers by NASENI

(e) Strengthening of MSME Development Fund and the Bank of Industry (801)

(ii). Food Security:

(a) Declaration of State of Emergency on Food scarcity

(b) Set up intervention on food security, food pricing and sustainability

(c) Checkmating the activities of saboteurs hoarding palliatives, smugglers of food, and other commodities

(iii) Infrastructure

(a) Acceleration and investment in the construction of roads, bridges, etc to improve movement of persons, goods and services:

(b) Expansion of rail and air transportation services

(c) Reforms in the energy sector and ascent to the electricity bill into law

(d) Expansion of the national grid

(e) Active engagement with Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) to be involved in product allocation and distribution as well as facilitation of the transition from PMS to CNG powered transportation systems to reduce cost of transportation.

(iv). Health Sector:

(a) Resolved the perennial crisis of the health sector workers

(b) Signed the health renewal compact with subnational entities and development partners

(vi). National Security

(a) Reformed the security architecture

(b) Procured advanced weaponry and systems for the Armed Forces

(c) Escalated the intelligence based security management to higher levels

(d) Increased Kinetic engagements with bandits and insurgents

(e) Clear and concise instructions to service Chiefs and field commanders in all security operations

(vi). Cushioning the Impact of Fuel Subsidy Removal

(a) Engagement with labour to establish industrial harmony

(b) Granted wage award for workers

(c) Established the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage

(d) Released grains for distribution of food to the poor

(e) Expanded social safety net programs to support additional 15 million poor families

(ix) Education:

(a) Reforms in the Students Loans Structure for easy access to education

(b) Establishment of Central Bank Intervention Fund for Public Educational Institutions

(x). Economy:

(a) Reforms in the Central Bank

(b) Revamping of the Fiscal and monetary policies

(c) Tax Reforms

(d) Accomplished 3% growth of the Nigerian economy despite multi dimensional local and regional challenges

(e) Initiated policies to address structural and institutional challenges to economic diversification

Nigeria needs the SUN GROUP in collaboration with all well meaning entities and individuals to promote her strength, celebrate her successes and showcase her talents. so that we can all build a nation that we shall be proud of and bequeath to our upcoming generations.

Finally, let me say thank you once again to The Sun Group for organizing this annual awards. May the stories of our awardees continue to inspire us all. Together, let us build a nation that reflects our collective potential and promise.

God bless our nation

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the appointed of Senator George Akume, a former Governor of Benue State on June 2, 2023.

He was received by mammoth crowd at the airport.

During his remarks, Akume thanked the people of Benue State for their remarkable show of love through the warm reception.

“I thanked the God almighty for all the good things in my life, for using a man like Asiwaju to make me SGF”, he said.

He added: ” Pray for our Governor because you worked hard for him to win the election. Allow him to settle down so he can deliver.”

Daily Dates Nigeria reports that the Governor of the State was not present and the not send any representative to receive the SGF.

Senator George Akume is in Benue State to celebrate his appointment and mark his 70th birthday.

The post Homecoming: Pray For Your Governor, SGF Tells Benue Indigenes appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

As our team takes shape, I want to remind you all that @officialABAT came prepared- he came with a plan. He knows what to do & he is doing it. He has nurtured this vision for decades and he is now bringing it to life #TheAsiwajuPlan

Nugget1: As a Government, we have heard your cries about fuel price increases, and be rest assured, we are working round the clock to normalize & bring solutions that ease the pain. Our job is to give you the quality of life you deserve when you wake up. So far, we are on course.

Nugget 2: To this end, we are already working out modalities to ensure market forces normalize pricing while we drive policies that better your lives & boost your earning power. We have a clear economic restoration plan, so I urge you to trust the process. #EconomicRestoration

Nugget 3: We need your understanding, cooperation & buy-in to properly harness our energy sector potential to fuel economic growth. Because we intend to diversify our economy to improve your living conditions, we cannot continue to operate as we always did in the past.

Nugget 4: At a mere 7%, Nigeria’s Revenue to GDP ratio (when we took over) was among the five lowest in the world. To reset this bleak reality, we must diversify our economy and address our perennial oil and gas challenges, else we will just be moving round and round in circles.

Nugget 5: We needed a strong man to take charge & give direction. We have a course now. The President is determined to restore, grow, and sustain our oil production levels to deliver economic growth as our #RenewedHope Agenda envisioned. Despite a few challenges, we are on course

Nugget 6: It’s very easy to ignore the fact that $70b worth of investments have been lost in the Oil sector since 2011. Insecurity has bedeviled us, with over $46b lost to crude oil theft between 2010 and 2020. These were issues no one was bold enough to address- till Asiwaju

Nugget 7: For this regressive subsidy regime, just ended, know that annual subsidy payments due to inefficiencies in the oil and gas value chain stood at a colossal $11b. It was not sustainable and someone had to act. The President was decisive in doing so & he told us from day1

Nugget 8: For our first 100 days in office, we had already decided to unify exchange rates, deregulate PMS pricing, and move to end insecurity in our oil-producing states by rejigging our entire security architecture. We’re taking strong measures to secure our nation’s future.

Nugget 9: After this, by the end of 2024, we are targeting minimum daily production of 1.8mb/d of crude & 3.5bcfg, up from present levels. We’re ambitious and committed to sanitizing the oil sector and turning around our economy., building on the success of the PMB administration

Nugget 10: Our wider plan for the Oil & Gas Sector involves building 7 core development pillars to spur growth in the industry while driving industrialization and transiting to a Green Economy by 2060. @offcialabat is building a sustainable future for us & our children yet unborn

Nugget 11: First Pillar is to conserve our revenues and drive development. We already decided to eliminate the >₦8 trillion/yr payments in PMS subsidies and use that money to drive social investments, spur real sector and build infrastructure in our cities and rural areas

Nugget 12: Secondly, we intend to monetize our national oil assets by offering our stake in these assets to private investors. This will mean we have more revenues to drive growth and development in Nigeria. This is when our comatose refineries and @NNPC will take center stage.

Nugget 13: We will restore lost revenues by boosting oil production to 2.5mmb/d and 5bcf/d for export & domestic use while ensuring we run @Nigerialng at full capacity. We’re working towards building a more prosperous Nigeria and repositioning ourselves as a global energy giant.

Nugget 14: After we shore up revenues, we will grow production & export capacity to 4mb/d & 12bcf/d for domestic use and export by 2030. We will boost our power generation capacity to 25-30GW of output simultaneously, adding 12GW of stranded Gas-fired power. #PowerGeneration

Nugget 15: Next will be the Industrialization phase- the 6th pillar, where we will set about diversifying revenue sources & boosting job creation. We will begin converting our Oil & Gas output into industrial products, feedstocks, & aggregate demanded in industrial clusters.

Nugget 16: We’ll prioritize export-oriented projects to improve bankability and drive growth, to create a strong economy that benefits us all, increasing the earning power of Nigerians such that issues like fuel availability or the price no longer occupy national discourse

Nugget 17: Our transition to a Green Economy will reduce Carbon emissions and incorporate Carbon Capture, Usage & storage (CCuS), and utilization in LNG projects to drive energy efficiency. We’re committed to a sustainable future. #GreenEconomy #SustainableFuture

Nugget 18: The judiciary/legislature will lead the anti-corruption fight to ensure this is done, while freedom of information, security, and right of association will be enshrined in this dispensation. Together, we’ll create a better Nigeria. #BetterNigeria #StrongInstitutions

Nugget 18: This is the Asiwaju Plan for Nigeria, as envisioned in our #RenewedHope Agenda. Deregulation is only the first part of this process/plan. Other health, education, agriculture, infrastructure, and more measures will come on stream soon. #HolisticSolution #NigeriaISBack

Nugget 20: As we go about our lawful businesses this weekend, let us all mull over this message & pass it across to our neighbors, family & friends. I am a listening public servant, so please drop your observations & suggestions here- I am reading. Have a great weekend ahead.

The post Tinubu: SGF, George Akume Releases 20 Nuggets To Chew On appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

Akume took his oath of allegiance and oath of office at about 11:16 am on Wednesday at the council chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The occasion was graced by dignitaries, including Vice-President Kashim Shettima; Senate President Ahmed Lawan; serving and former governors; and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Folashade Yemi-Esan, amongst others.

The post Tinubu Swears George Akume As SGF appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.