vice president Kashim Shetima he has urged political office holders to put the interest, unity and progress of the nation above personal or sectional gain.
Olusola Abiola, Chief Information Officer, Office of the Vice President, said in a statement that Mr. Shettima gave the advice at a reception to celebrate the appointment and achievements of George Akume, Secretary of Government of the Federation (SGF).
The reception was organized by the Forum of Governors of the Center-North.
Mr. Shettima also urged current and aspiring political office to emulate the virtues of the SGF.
The vice president, who praised the SGF in a message titled “a life of honor,” described Mr. Akume as “an idea, a man of honor, a beacon of unity, loyalty and integrity in our nation.”
”Let us not only celebrate his appointment but also learn from his life. Senator Akume’s political longevity is not by accident.
“It is the result of his unwavering Pan-Nigerian tenet, reflecting his wisdom and vision for a peaceful, stable and secure Nigeria.”
Mr. Shettima also praised the virtues that have endeared the SGF to many across political and ethnic lines.
He added: ”We are not here to celebrate an individual; we are here to praise the power of an idea; to raise a toast to a shining beacon of unity and integrity in our great nation.
”In the path that has brought our honoree to this vantage point, we find woven together the threads of unwavering belief in the ideals of a united Nigeria.
“It is this belief that has been the driving force behind each of his endeavors.
“The conviction that our strength lies in our unity and diversity, that together we are stronger than the sum of our parts, has guided his steps and fueled his determination.”
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Mr. Shettima described Mr. Akume “as the ally you can count on with your eyes closed, and that is the highest compliment you can receive in politics.
”His path to this point exemplifies his fidelity to the pact he has signed.
“It’s what you do when you’ve agreed to uphold the values our great nation holds dear.
“It’s what you do when you subscribe to the principles of justice, fairness and equality.”
The vice president also stressed the importance of character for candidates for political office.
Mr. Shettima said: “There are positions for which no amount of academic and professional qualifications is enough to win you over.
“Our honoree here today occupies one of those offices, an office that makes you understand why our institutions of learning emphasize character when they issue degree certificates to their graduating students.
“Our honoree is here today because of his loyalty to a cause bigger than himself.
“In a time of wavering political loyalties, Senator Akume is both a role model and an inspiration to all who seek to understand the importance of cooperation in public service.”
Mr. Shettima said that what truly sets Mr. Akume apart is his belief in fostering unity in the rich tapestry of religions, ethnicities and regions that make up our nation.
”In a land of diverse cultures and traditions, their examples have transcended borders, bridged gaps and fostered understanding.
“His commitment to building bridges between different groups and environments in one of the most challenging places to do so is why he is not just a man but an idea,” the vice president added.
Dignitaries at the event included former Head of State Yakubu Gowon; the president of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; and the vice president of the House of Representatives, Ben Kalu.
Others were: the leader of the Senate, Bamidele Opeyemi; Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State; Governor Jacinto Alia de Benue; Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger; Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau and Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi.
Also in attendance: Governor Ademola Adeleke de Osun; Governor AbdulRazaq AbdulRazaq of Kwara; former Governors Simon Lalong and Rochas Okorocha; elderly from the center-north; traditional and religious leaders and appointed ministers, among others.
(YAYA)
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Let hear it in the comment below if you do have an opinion on this; Shettima urges political office holders to avoid sectional gains as north-central governors honor Akume