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Basic Information about Tinubu’s SGF Appointee, George Akume

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A former Minister of Special Duties, George Akume, was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday as Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF.

Shortly after four days in office, Tinubu has made several appointments, including the outgoing Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, as his new Chief of Staff and a former Deputy Governor of Jigawa State, Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia, as Deputy Chief of Staff.

Here are things you should know about Mr Akume

George Akume was born on December 27, 1953, and is from Wannune Tarka Council Area of Benue State.

He obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Ibadan in 1978 and a Master’s degree in Industrial and Labour Relations from the same university in 1986.

Akume was a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and served as the Minority Leader of the Senate from June 2011 to June 2015.

He was also the Governor of Benue State from May 1999 to May 2007 and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army.

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 Orke Jev of the Peoples Democratic Party in 2019.

In 2019, President Buhari appointed Akume as Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs.

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BREAKING: Kano House of Assembly Commences Impeachment Process Against Deputy Governor

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The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo (also referred to as Abdulsalam Aminu Gwarzo).

The move, announced during plenary on Thursday, March 5, 2026, follows allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, breach of public trust, and financial impropriety.

These reportedly include claims of receiving kickbacks from the state’s 44 local government councils during his earlier tenure as Commissioner for Local Government Affairs between 2023 and 2024, with some reports citing sums exceeding ₦1.6 billion.

Majority Leader Lawan Hussaini Dala presented and read the impeachment notice on the floor of the House, in line with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which governs the removal of a governor or deputy governor for gross misconduct.

The Speaker, Ismail Falgore, confirmed that the notice has been formally served on the deputy governor, granting him a two-week period to respond to the allegations before further steps are taken.

This development comes amid political tensions in the state, where the deputy governor has remained in the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and has not aligned with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s recent move to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Reports indicate he has been absent from government house activities and interactions with the governor.

The Assembly has emphasized that the process will follow constitutional procedures, and the deputy governor has the opportunity to defend himself against the charges.

BELOW ARE THE ALLEGATIONS AGAINST THE KANO STATE DEPUTY GOVERNOR:

The petition lists the following allegations:Breach of Public Trust: Abdulsalam is accused of diverting funds meant for local government administrations for personal gain. Between June 2023 and January 2024, he allegedly received kickbacks totaling ₦462 million over seven months.

Diversion of Funds and Misuse of Official Capacity: From February 2024 to July 2024, he reportedly received ₦726 million from local government councils under the guise of executing special assignments.

Abuse of Office: Abdulsalam allegedly facilitated the improper release of ₦440 million to North Med Pharmaceutical Limited, in violation of public procurement laws and state fiscal regulations.

Gross Misconduct: These actions are said to constitute gross misconduct under Section 188(2) of the Constitution, representing serious breaches of constitutional norms and ethical standards for public office holders.

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BREAKING: President Tinubu Suspends FAAN cashless Payment Policy

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President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate suspension of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria’s cashless payment policy, four days after it was introduced.

The policy, launched on the first of March by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, required electronic payments for airport access gates, parking and lounges.

However, its rollout triggered severe traffic congestion at key hubs, including Murtala Muhammed International Airport and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, with long queues reported and some passengers missing flights.

Speaking after the Federal Executive Council meeting, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said the President had directed that the policy be halted and reviewed.

He said the ministry and FAAN would temporarily return to a hybrid arrangement allowing cash payments and the use of prepaid FAAN cards already issued.

Mr Keyamo said the President remains committed to a fully electronic revenue collection system but directed that the review should be completed quickly to restore efficiency at airport entry points.

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Tinubu Swears In Olatunji Disu as IGP, Chairs First 2026 FEC Meeting (Photos)

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President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Olatunji Disu as the substantive Inspector-General of Police (IGP), marking a key leadership transition in the Nigeria Police Force. The ceremony took place at the State House in Abuja, shortly before the President presided over the first Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting of 2026.

Disu, who had been serving in an acting capacity following his appointment and subsequent confirmation by the Nigeria Police Council, took the oath of office at approximately 2:53 p.m. The swearing-in followed his unanimous endorsement as the 23rd IGP.

In his first remarks after the oath, the new IGP disclosed that the Nigeria Police Force is actively monitoring potential security implications from the escalating crisis in the Middle East. He emphasized that intelligence-led policing efforts are underway, with heightened surveillance, patrols, and deployments across the country to prevent any spillover effects or breakdown of law and order.

Disu highlighted awareness of certain groups in Nigeria that maintain allegiances or ideological ties to actors in the Middle East (often referred to in contexts as the “eastern part of the world”). He warned that developments in the region could have local repercussions and stated that the Force is engaging such groups to ensure no one takes the law into their own hands.

On the contentious issue of state policing, Disu reaffirmed that it “has come to stay” and should not be viewed as a threat to the jobs or roles of federal police officers. Instead, he described it as a collaborative partnership to bolster overall national security. To address this, he announced the inauguration of a high-ranking committee (comprising senior officers) to examine the matter from the Nigeria Police Force’s perspective, review global and local policing models, assess community needs, and guide the implementation process.

The events underscore the administration’s focus on security reforms amid regional and domestic challenges, as Tinubu’s government kicks off its 2026 agenda with renewed leadership at the helm of the police force.

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