President Bola Tinubu has described the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, as a man of impeccable experience, whose contribution to the country’s development is vast and invaluable.

The President, who was represented by his wife, Oluremi, spoke at the 70th birthday celebration of Akume at Wannune, Tarka Local Council of Benue State, on Wednesday.

The appointment of the former Benue governor as the SGF, Tinubu disclosed, was because of his “rich portfolio of leadership experience and laurels as governor, minister, senator and top-flight public servant.”

Also, at the occasion, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue appealed for the cooperation of all the national and state legislators, as well as other political stakeholders from Benue with his administration.

Only last week, the All Progressives Congress (APC) caucus of the National Assembly from Benue addressed a press conference in which they accused the Catholic priest-turned-governor of running a non-inclusive government.

But in his speech, Alia, who sounded conciliatory, assured that he would continue to do everything possible to ensure unity, as that would be in the best interest of the state.

He said: “I invite you all to join me and Akume to take Benue to greater heights. It is all about the state and not about us.

“Those who want to sow seeds of discord will not succeed, for the things that unite us are greater than the things that seek to divide us.”

Alia described Akume as the political encyclopaedia of Benue politics, who has paid his dues and whom God has blessed in several ways and thus deserves all the respect accorded him.

Responding, Akume thanked the President for finding him worthy to occupy such a sensitive position in his government. He described Tinubu as a great Nigerian, who was at home with everyone, and urged Nigerians to live in harmony with one another.

The SGF also thanked those who stood by him in his political career over the years and prayed to God to grant them their hearts’ desires.

Billionaire businessmen, Arthur Eze, and Terry Waya, who had earlier donated N100 million and N50 million respectively, topped the list of donors to the pastoral activities of Akume’s home church, St. Christopher’s Parish, Wannune.

Akume is a Knight of the Catholic Church.

Other dignitaries, who graced the occasion, included the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje; former SGF, Boss Mustapha; Governors Agbu Kefas of Taraba and Adedapo Abiodun of Ogun, ministers, senators, ambassadors and other members of the political and business community.