3rd June, 2023
Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, Senate President Ahmad Lawan and Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo- Agege have hailed President Bola Tinubu over his choice of Femi Gbajabiamila and Sen. George Akume as his Chief of Staff and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) respectively.
Bello, Lawan and Omo-Agege commnded Tinubu in statements they issued in reaction to the appointments announced by Tinubu on Friday.
While congratulating Gbajabiamila and Akume, Bello, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Onogwu Mohammed on Friday in Lokoja, said their appointment was well deserved.
Bello expressed deep admiration for Gbajabiamila who is the outgoing Speaker of the House of Representatives, describing him as a consummate legislator with a wealth of experience and unwavering commitment to public service.
The governor emphasised that Gbajabiamila’s remarkable legislative background, loyalty, and trustworthiness, had made him highly suited for the crucial role of chief of staff to the president.
Bello stressed that Gbajabiamila’s competence underscored the belief that his profound insights and remarkable abilities would significantly contribute to the success of the presidency.
The governor also extended his heartfelt congratulations to Akume, the former governor of Benue , on his appointment as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
The governor lauded Akume’s outstanding achievements in various capacities, including his tenure as a senator and his recent role as minister of special duties.
The governor recognised Akume’s extensive experience in both the executive and legislative branches of government with the valuable knowledge acquired throughout his distinguished career.
He said that Akume’s expertise and invaluable insights would greatly aid his performance in his new position, shaping and enhancing the Nigerian government.
On his part, the President of the Senate, congratulated Gbajabiamila, on his new appointment as the Chief of Staff to the President.
The Senate President also congratulated two other Senators, Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia and George Akume on their appointments as Deputy Chief of Staff to the President and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) respectively.
Lawan in a statement on Friday in Abuja by His Special Adviser on Media Mr Ola Awoniyi, described the three appointments as “most appropriate” and putting round pegs in round holes.”
“I particularly congratulate my brother and partner, Gbajabiamila, on his new appointment.
“This appointment is most appropriate. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has put a round peg in a round hole.
“I have no doubt that he has the competence and energy to deliver on this assignment.
“His vast experience in the Legislature will be an advantage to encourage harmonious relationship between the Legislature and the Executive,” Lawan said.
The senate president wished all the new appointees success in their new assignments.
Also, Deputy Semate President, Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege, has hailed the appointment of Gbajabiamila as Chief of Staff to President Tinubu.
The Delta Central lawmaker also lauded the appointment of Sen. George Akume as SGF.
Omo-Agege in a statement in Abuja on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Yomi Odunuga, described the appointments as round pegs in round holes.
He said their commitments to public service and dedication to the betterment of Nigeria stood them out from the lots.
He expressed confidence that they would bring their wealth of experience in public service, spanning a period of more than four decades, to bear in their new assignments.
He particularly expressed excitement as both appointees were products of the National Assembly.
“In the various positions Gbajabiamila and Akume have served in the national assembly, they did so with distinction, working tirelessly to attract important developmental projects to their constituencies and advance the socio-economic development of the country in general.
“I am confident that they will deploy their immense wealth of experiences, national and global connections in giving our President the needed support to deliver on his mandate of taking the nation to greater heights,” he said.
Gov. Yahaya Bello, others react to appointment of Femi Gbajabiamila and Sen. George Akume as Chief of Staff and Secretary to Govt of the Federation (SGF)respectively by President Tinubu