George Akume: Biography, Net Worth, Family And Career Achievement

When you hear the name George Akume, one thing comes to mind – longevity in politics. In a country where political careers sometimes end as quickly as they start, Akume stands tall as one of Nigeria’s most enduring political figures. From his humble beginnings in Benue State to becoming a senator, minister, and now Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), his story is a fascinating mix of determination, political strategy, and public service.

If you’re curious about who George Akume is, how he built his career, and why he remains relevant after decades in politics, grab a cup of coffee (or tea, if you’re on that healthy lifestyle wave) – we’re diving deep into his biography, net worth, and career milestones.

Early Life and Background

George Akume was born on 27 December 1953 in Wannune, Tarka Local Government Area, in Benue State. He hails from a region that is not only rich in culture but also in political history. Interestingly, his birth in the early 1950s placed him in the heart of Nigeria’s post-colonial era, a time when leadership and nation-building were in high demand.

Akume’s early education was rooted in discipline and focus. He attended St. Ann’s Primary School before moving on to Government Secondary School, Otukpo. His drive for education didn’t stop there; he proceeded to the University of Ibadan, where he studied Sociology. Later, he earned a master’s degree in Labour Relations from the same institution.

Now, let’s be honest—most Nigerian politicians don’t necessarily have deep academic backgrounds. But for Akume, education was a weapon for navigating the complexities of governance. His training in sociology and labour relations would later prove useful in understanding people, managing political alliances, and handling conflicts.

Civil Service Years – Building the Foundation

Before plunging head-first into politics, George Akume was a civil servant. He worked in various administrative roles in the Benue State civil service, steadily climbing the ranks until he became a permanent secretary.

This period in the civil service was like a political apprenticeship for Akume. He learned the art of governance, the intricacies of bureaucracy, and the patience required to deal with public sector challenges.

Political Rise – From Governor to National Figure

Akume’s political breakthrough came in 1999, when Nigeria returned to democratic rule after years of military dictatorship. Riding on the wave of the newly formed People’s Democratic Party (PDP), he contested for the governorship of Benue State—and won.

He didn’t just stop there; Akume made history by serving two consecutive terms as governor, from 1999 to 2007. His administration focused on infrastructure development, healthcare improvement, and educational reforms in Benue State.

But here’s the thing: politics in Nigeria can be brutal. Many former governors fade into obscurity after leaving office. Akume didn’t. Instead, he transitioned to the Senate in 2007, representing Benue North-West Senatorial District.

Senate Years – Legislative Influence

During his time in the Senate, George Akume wasn’t just a seat warmer. He quickly became a powerful voice, holding positions such as Senate Minority Leader. He was known for advocating policies that favoured his constituents while also influencing national debates.

If there’s one skill Akume mastered during his Senate years, it was political survival. He managed to remain relevant across different political shifts, even switching parties without losing his influence.

Crossing Over – From PDP to APC

One of Akume’s most strategic moves was his defection from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This was not just a random political jump—it was a calculated decision that positioned him closer to Nigeria’s political power centre.

His loyalty to the APC and his ability to mobilize political support in the North Central region made him a key asset to the party’s national agenda.

Ministerial Appointment – Broadening His Influence

In 2019, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed George Akume as Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs. This role put him at the centre of coordination between different levels of government and special federal projects.

Being minister wasn’t just about holding a title. It expanded his network, deepened his influence, and reinforced his image as a trusted statesman who could handle delicate political matters.

Current Role – Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF)

Fast forward to June 2023, and George Akume was appointed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation by President Bola Tinubu. This is one of the most powerful positions in the Nigerian government, serving as a bridge between the presidency and all federal ministries, departments, and agencies.

Think of the SGF as the "chief coordinator" of the Nigerian government. It’s not a glamorous role in the public eye, but it’s extremely influential behind the scenes.

Career Achievements – The Highlights

When you look at George Akume’s career, it’s clear that he has achieved a lot:

• Two-term Governor of Benue State (1999–2007).

• Three-term Senator, representing Benue North-West (2007–2019).

• Served as Senate Minority Leader.

• Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs (2019–2023).

• Secretary to the Government of the Federation (2023–Present).

• Played a key role in national political negotiations and party strategy.

Net Worth – The Financial Side of Politics

Now, let’s talk about something everyone is curious about: money. While exact figures are hard to confirm (as is common with Nigerian politicians), George Akume’s net worth is estimated to be in the multi-million-dollar range.

His wealth comes from a combination of salaries, allowances, investments, and other legitimate earnings over decades in public service. However, like most Nigerian political figures, details of his private assets remain largely confidential.

Leadership Style – The “Quiet Strategist”

George Akume is not the type to be all over the news making loud political statements. Instead, he operates like a chess player—moving silently but effectively. He is known for building alliances, maintaining loyalty among his supporters, and staying calm under pressure.

This ability to remain relevant through different political eras shows that Akume understands one key thing about Nigerian politics: relationships matter more than headlines.

Lessons from George Akume’s Journey

If you take anything away from Akume’s life story, let it be this:

• Longevity requires adaptability – Politics changes fast, and so must you.

• Networks are everything – Alliances can make or break your career.

• Patience pays – A slow, steady climb often lasts longer than a sudden rise.

Conclusion

George Akume’s story is proof that you can build a political career that lasts decades if you play your cards right. From civil service to the governorship, the Senate, a ministerial role, and now the SGF’s office, his journey is a masterclass in political staying power.

Whether you admire him for his achievements or question the realities of Nigerian politics, one thing is certain: George Akume is a name that will remain in Nigeria’s political history books for a long time.