“As a political machine, Senator Akume has remained one of the foremost political survivalists, overcoming a series of political battles since 1999. He is indeed, one of the few governors of the 1999 set that is still relevant in the nation’s political space. His vast political network within the region and across the country is a major political asset.”
These were the observations made by the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, in a congratulatory message to Akume, who is currently the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). He is celebrating his 70th birthday today, December 27.
The Senate President, also described Akume as a nationalist and peaceful leader whose belief in the unity of the country is never in doubt, adding that in all his public life, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainable development.
Senator Akpabio, in the message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, said that Akume, who is the former Benue state governor is a political machine of note.
According to him, Akume is “a great strategist who has mastered the art of weaving his successes even through troubled political waters.”
The Senate President said that Akume who also served as one time minister, is a successful Nigerian that has used his privileged position to positively affect the lives of the people, describing him as “a man with a heart flowing with human kindness.”
He said that Akume has never held his Godly blessings to himself, but has been a man deeply generous in heart and in acts, “escalating God’s blessings for the good of the downtrodden and the needy.
“No wonder, you are popularly known as the ‘Just George’ among your people and admirers.
“As a political strategist, Senator Akume revived progressive politics in the North Central when he worked closely with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to introduce the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) to the region, which later transformed into our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). To his credit, the North Central has reclaimed its position as the home of progressives.
“On behalf of my family and constituents; the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I heartily rejoice with you as you celebrate the ripe age of 70 and pray that the Almighty God will continue to bless you and grant you many more healthy years to enable you serve humanity and the nation better.
“As the SGF, you are in a vantage and strategic position to assist President Tinubu in delivering on his Renewed Hope Agenda for and I do not doubt your competence and commitment toward achieving this cause.”

Ex Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Umar Na’abba is dead. He died in the early hours of today, Wednesday, December 27, in an Abuja hospital after a brief illness.
Ghali Na’Abba was born into the family of Umar Na’Abba, a businessman in Tudun Wada, Kano City, on 27 September 1958.
He obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria in 1979.
His early education was at Jakara Primary School, Kano where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1969. He later attended Rumfa College, Kano for his West African School Certificate and was also at School of Preliminary Studies, Kano, between 1974 and 1976, before gaining admission into Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in October, 1976.
He completed a postgraduate programme on Leadership and Good Governance at the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University in the United States in 2004.

The House of Representatives has suggested some values that should guide the lives of Nigerians towards the attainment of greatness.
Such values, in a statement today, December 25 by the House Spokesman /Chairman, House Committee on Media & Public Affairs, Rep Akin Rotimi Jr. to mark Christmas, can be found in Jesus.
“Annually, the celebration of Christmas offers an opportunity to reflect on the spirit of love, selflessness and hope as embodied in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
“Thus, these values remain assets that we must continue to uphold as a people; irrespective of political, religious, or regional differences in our pursuit of greater progress and development.
The House noted with satisfaction, various efforts by Members in this season, to extend goodwill to millions of their constituents “in these difficult times.”
It called on Nigerians across all walks of life to spread love and joy this season.
The House stressed: “as the “People’s House,” we remain steadfast in our commitment to being service-focused, responsive, result-oriented, and effective in our representative functions in line with our Eight-point Legislative Agenda.
“In this season and beyond, may our thoughts and actions be guided by a sense of compassion and generosity, and may peace pervade our land.”

President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio has described the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as a great grassroot mobilizer.
Akpabio, in a congratulatory message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh and addressed to Ganduje as he celebrates 74th birthday, said that the celebrant is also “a stabilizer, astute politician and an unrepentant progressive.”
The Senate President noted that Ganduje has been able to restore peace and sanity in the party in a few months of his leadership, praising him for his ingenuity in mobilizing people and instilling a sense of belonging to all party men.
He said since Ganduje ascended the seat of national chairman, “The hitherto rancorous atmosphere at the headquarters and in most state chapters of the party have been doused and sanity is gradually returning to the party.
“I wish to heartily join other well-wishers, business and political associates, family members and friends in celebrating a great mobiliser, an astute politician, an unrepentant progressive and a stabilizer; my chairman, His Excellency, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the National Chairman of the biggest political party in Africa, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in celebrating him on his 74th birthday.
“It is my prayer that the Almighty God will bless you with many more years of healthy and productive living, so that our upcoming leaders will savour the wisdom and indelible legacies you have etched on the sands of history in every position you occupied since you emerged on the political scene in 1979.
“Mr. Chairman, your enviable contributions in driving and sustaining our current democratic experiment are never in doubt. We cherish your vision and the drive to sustain the successes recorded by our great party and your unshakable belief in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
The Senate President expressed confidence in the ability of Dr. Ganduje to turn around the fortunes of the APC and help President Tinubu in restoring the faith of Nigerians in Project Nigeria through the provision of purposeful and development-induced leadership that would once again put smiles on the faces of average Nigerians.

President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio has appealed to Nigerians not to give up on President Bola Tinubu as he works to reform the country.
Akpabio, in a Christmas message, issued today, December 24 by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, called on Nigerians and Christians in particular, to “pray and be hopeful because with the birth of Jesus Christ, who is our symbol of hope, love and redemption, Nigeria will also overcome its current challenges.
“I am confident that with your prayers and support, the current administration will wipe away our tears in the no distant time.”
Senator Akpabio encouraged Nigerians to be steadfast and hopeful, regardless of the hard times citizens are experiencing.
He expressed optimism that, the pains Nigerians are going through, occasioned by series of socio-economic upheavals shall manifest in positive outcomes through the visionary development architecture of the current national leadership in the country.
Akpabio said that Christmas calls for deep reflection on the teachings of Jesus Christ, which were anchored on love for neighbour, peaceful coexistence and loyalty to constituted authorities.
He said: “On behalf of my family and constituents, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and indeed the entire National Assembly, I wish to sincerely congratulate all our Christian brothers and sisters on the celebration of the feast of Christmas, which marks the birth of Jesus Christ.
“As you celebrate, I urge you not only to merry but also, continue to pray for our dear country Nigeria and our leaders. Show love to one another and continue to reflect on the life of Jesus Christ, especially his humility, sacrifice, love for neighbour and loyalty to God and constituted authority. Our today’s pain will surely produce joyful gains in a very short time.
“In this season of joy, may Jesus’ birth resonate within us all, guiding our thoughts, our words, and our actions. May His hope re-ignite our spirits, encouraging us to spread love and kindness to those around us. Each small act of goodwill can illuminate a life, bringing light to the darkest corners of our world.
“Christmas is a time when hope fills the air, when merriment and goodwill permeate our hearts. Yet, amidst the glittering lights and festive cheer, it is essential to remember the reason for this season – the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. In a world grappling with uncertainty, strife, and challenges, Jesus remains the beacon of hope, offering solace and assurance to all who seek Him.”