Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged individuals who currently hold or aspire to occupy any political office to follow in the footsteps of Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, by placing the interest, unity, and advancement of the country above personal or sectarian benefits.
Shetima gave this advice late on Friday night in Abuja during an event hosted by the North-Central Governors’ Forum to honor Sen. Akume, the current Secretary to the Government of the Federation and former governor of Benue State, on his appointment and accomplishments.
The vice president who gave accolades to the SGF in a message titled ‘a life of honour’, described Sen. Akume as “an idea, a man of honour, a beacon of unity, loyalty and integrity in our nation.”
During his speech, Shettima exhorts the invited guests to not only rejoice over Akume’s appointment but also to draw valuable lessons from his political background and history as well as to internalize the qualities of unity and selflessness in service to the country.
“The conviction that our strength lies in our unity and diversity, that together we are stronger than the sum of our parts, has guided his steps and fuelled his determination.”
Also, Shettima said that Sen. Akume is one people who can be trusted no matter what it is.
He said, “Is the ally you can count on with your eyes closed, and that’s the highest compliment you can receive in politics. His journey to this height exemplifies his fidelity to the pact he has signed. It’s what you do when you have agreed to uphold the values that our great nation holds dear. It’s what you do when you subscribe to the principles of justice, fairness, and equality.”
He also noted the importance of having a good character before aspiring political office holders, noting that “there are offices for which no amount of academic and professional qualifications is sufficient to earn you. Our honoree here today occupies one such office, an office that makes you understand why our learning institutions emphasize “character” when issuing degree certificates to their graduating students.”
He said, “Our honoree is here today because of his loyalty to a cause greater than himself. In a time of wavering political loyalties, Senator Akume is both a model and a source of inspiration for all those who seek to understand the importance of cooperation in public service.”
“What truly sets our honouree apart is his belief in fostering unity across the rich tapestry of religions, ethnicities, and regions that make up our nation. In a land of diverse cultures and traditions, his examples have transcended boundaries, bridging gaps, and nurturing understanding. His commitment to building bridges between different groups and backgrounds in one of the most challenging places to do so is the reason he is not just a man but an idea,” the VP said.
Among the special guest that graced the occasion are, Former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon; Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio; Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; Deputy Speaker of House of Reps. Hon. Ben Kalu; Senate Leader, Sen. Bamidele Opeyemi; Governors, Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State; Hyacinth Alia of Benue State; Mohammed Bago of Niger State; Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State; Yahaya Bello of Kogi State; Ademola Adeleke of Osun State; Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State; former Governors Simon Lalong and Rochas Okorocha; North-Central elders; traditional and religious leaders and ministers-designate, amongs others.