Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, on Tuesday described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a leader who backs his promises with decisive action, commending the President’s strategic leadership that culminated in the successful rescue of the abducted Oriire pupils and teachers in Oyo State.
Akume however berated Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, “for playing politics with the abduction of innocent citizens.”
Speaking while receiving members of the Global Association of Christian and Muslim Youth for Peace and Development led by its President, Peter Asuquo Bassey on Tuesday in Abuja, Akume averred that the successful rescue operation underscores the Tinubu Administration’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians through well-coordinated security operations rather than public grandstanding.
The SGF, while making allusion to the complaints made by the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, that he was yet to receive a call from the President, noted what was before the President was more important than a telephone call as that would not have resolved the problem at hand.
The SGF noted that the President has consistently demonstrated that effective leadership is measured by tangible results.
He said: “We live in a society where everything is politicised. Yes, we inherited difficult situations but we are improving by the day. I just had a meeting with the Italian Ambassador this afternoon and I told him that terror has no boundary. It is everywhere.
“I also assured him that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken the fight against insecurity very seriously. You could see the political sagacity and strategy of the president by ensuring the release of our dear ones who were held captives by these crooks. Why would anyone hold people in captivity including the young ones if not for self-seeking opportunism. They are looking for money.
“When the noise was rife that the Presodent didn’t place a phone call to someone, it doesn’t make sense. Would a telephone call to that person have resolved the case? Would those held captives have been released? No. It is the strategy being used to ensure the safety of those held in captivity that should be paramount. We should be interested in the release of these children and others. We should not be interested in a telephone call.
“This is why I tell people that Asiwaju (the President) is a doer. He is not a talker. He is like the Centurion of the old Roman Empire whose services were rendered in deeds and not in words. His leadership is defined by action and results. Nigerians wanted to see the safe return of those innocent children and, today, they have been rescued through the strategic efforts of our security agencies under the President’s leadership. That is what matters.”
He emphasised that the Federal Government has adopted a deliberate and intelligence-driven approach to combating insecurity, stressing that terrorism and kidnapping require carefully planned security operations rather than political rhetoric.
“The President has taken the fight against insecurity very seriously. His administration remains focused on restoring peace across the country, protecting lives and creating an environment where Nigerians can live and pursue their legitimate aspirations without fear”, he said.
Akume commended the association for bringing together Christian and Muslim youths under one umbrella to promote peace, unity and national cohesion, describing the initiative as timely and commendable.
“I am particularly impressed that you have chosen unity over division. Whether one is a Christian or a Muslim is not the issue; what matters is that we are Nigerians united by a common destiny. Your association demonstrates that peaceful coexistence is not only possible but essential for national progress.”
Having assured them of his continued support, he urged the association to continue mobilising young Nigerians towards peace-building, civic responsibility and national integration, assuring them of the Federal Government’s support for initiatives that foster unity and social harmony.
Speaking earlier, the President of the Global Association of Christian and Muslim Youth for Peace and Development, Peter Asuquo Bassey said the Association had followed Senator Akume’s public service record over the years and was inspired by his commitment to nation-building, prompting the visit to formally establish a closer working relationship with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
“We have come to familiarise and strengthen our relationship with you because we believe strongly in your leadership. We have followed your antecedents over the years and we are convinced that you are committed to the service of our nation. We want you to know that you have young Nigerians who believe in what you are doing and are ready to support your efforts.”
Bassey stated that the association would continue to engage young Nigerians across religious and ethnic divides, encouraging them to embrace peaceful coexistence while promoting factual information about the programmes and policies of the Federal Government. He added that the organisation was committed to demonstrating that Christians and Muslims could work together to advance national unity and support initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians.
He further disclosed that preparations are in top gear to host a National Peace Summit in September 2026, to canvass for peaceful co-existence and tolerance among ethno-religious divides to entrench peace and unity. He also sought the support of the SGF to ensure the success of the Summit.