The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as his decision not to interfere in the recently concluded Osun State governorship election.
Akume said the President’s conduct demonstrated his commitment to democratic principles and the independence of electoral institutions.
The SGF spoke on Thursday in Abuja during a courtesy visit to the national headquarters of the City Boy Movement, where he said Tinubu’s approach to the Osun election represented a departure from practices associated with previous administrations.
“The President never bothered to intervene in the electoral process that was recently concluded in Osun State. That is what democracy should be about. It is way better than what used to happen in the past,” Akume said.
He said the President’s approach reflected a commitment to strengthening democratic governance while implementing reforms aimed at repositioning the economy.
Akume cited reforms in taxation, education, healthcare, agriculture and women’s empowerment as areas where he said the administration was making progress.
On taxation, he said efforts to establish a unified tax system were aimed at creating a more efficient, transparent and sustainable fiscal environment.
The SGF also highlighted interventions through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and the expansion of specialised healthcare facilities as evidence of efforts to improve access to education and healthcare.
Akume urges unity
Akume urged Nigerians to view the country’s ethnic, religious and cultural diversity as an asset rather than a source of division.
“This is a huge country with diverse people. We should not turn this diversity and pluralism into negativity. We should use these to build our country in a positive way,” he said.
He said the Federal Government remained focused on fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities and implementing programmes designed to improve the living conditions of Nigerians.
The SGF cited ongoing initiatives in agriculture, water resources and other strategic sectors, saying the administration was working to lay the foundation for a stronger economy.
Akume also urged members of the City Boy Movement to continue communicating the policies and programmes of the Tinubu administration to Nigerians and not be distracted by criticism.
“Never look back and don’t allow anyone to deceive you. You are adequately positioned to communicate the achievements of this administration to the people,” he said.
He called for greater emphasis on national unity, democratic consolidation and inclusive development.
“You are doing the right thing. We love our country. This is the time to begin to build and it is precisely what you are doing. This is our country,” he added.
City Boy Movement targets 10 million members
Earlier, the Director-General of the City Boy Movement, Shoga Francis, thanked Akume for visiting the organisation’s national headquarters, describing the visit as evidence of his willingness to engage young Nigerians and grassroots stakeholders.
Shoga reaffirmed the movement’s support for Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Agenda, saying it would expand its mobilisation structures across the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory and its diaspora chapters.
He said the movement was targeting 10 million young Nigerians through a membership drive ahead of the 2027 general election.
“As a movement, we are determined to work tirelessly across the 36 states of the federation, the FCT, and our diaspora structures to mobilise Nigerians, particularly young people, towards a decisive and overwhelming victory for Mr President in the 2027 general elections,” Shoga said.
He said the planned mobilisation was not solely focused on electoral support but would also create a grassroots network for engaging communities, communicating government policies and promoting informed participation in the democratic process.
Shoga said the movement would strengthen its structures down to ward and polling-unit levels while promoting peaceful mobilisation, national unity and civic engagement.
He added that the organisation remained committed to securing what he described as a “massive and historic electoral mandate” for Tinubu in 2027.
The visit culminated in the conferment of the position of Chairman of the Advisory Council of the City Boy Movement on Akume, in recognition of his contributions to the Renewed Hope Agenda and engagement with young Nigerians.
