George Akume

George Akume (; born 27 December 1953) is a Nigerian politician who is the current and 21st Secretary to the Government of the Federation, appointed by President Bola Tinubu. He served as Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs under President Muhammadu Buhari from 2019 to 2023. He was the Senator representing Benue North-West Senatorial District from 2007 to 2019. He was also the Minority Leader of the Senate from June 2011 to June 2015. He served as the Governor of Benue State from May 1999 to May 2007. Akume was re-elected Senator for Benue North-West in the April 2011 elections, running on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria. He won another term in 2015 but lost to Senator Orker-Jev of the PDP in 2019. On 23 July 2019, President Buhari nominated Akume to serve as the Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs. Early life and education Akume obtained a bachelor's degree in Sociology and a master's degree in Labour Relations from the University of Ibadan. He now resides in Abuja, Nigeria. Political career