The Presidency has firmly denied widespread rumours suggesting the removal of Senator George Akume as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), branding the reports as false and deliberately misleading.
In a statement issued late Saturday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, clarified that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is currently in Saint Lucia on official duties, has not made any changes to the SGF position.
“There has been no change in the status of His Excellency, Senator George Akume, as Secretary to the Government of the Federation,” Onanuga stated.
The Presidency described the rumours of Akume’s removal as the work of “agents of mischief”, cautioning the public against falling for disinformation.
“The information circulating about Akume’s replacement is untrue. Agents of mischief fabricated it,” Onanuga said.
He further urged Nigerians and media outlets to ignore the claims and rely only on official communication from the Presidency.
“The Presidency advised Nigerians to disregard the fake news,” he concluded.
The clarification puts to rest a flurry of speculation that had gained traction on social media platforms earlier in the day, suggesting that Akume had been replaced.
Senator George Akume, a former Governor of Benue State and former Minister of Special Duties, was appointed SGF by President Tinubu in June 2023.
Since then, he has played a pivotal role in coordinating government operations and implementing presidential directives across the federal bureaucracy.