Did Tinubu replace Akume with Hadiza Bala Usman as SGF?
President Bola Tinubu-led federal government unveils portal for national youth conference.
The Nigerian Presidency has dismissed as false recent claims that Senator George Akume has been sacked as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and replaced with Hadiza Bala Usman, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination.
In a strong rebuttal issued over the weekend, sources within Aso Rock described the rumour as baseless and a product of political mischief-makers. The report, which circulated widely on social media and was amplified by several blogs, had claimed that President Bola Tinubu had quietly relieved Akume of his duties and handed over the position to Bala Usman.
However, officials in the Presidency have firmly refuted the claims, insisting that Akume remains the SGF and continues to perform his responsibilities diligently. “There is no truth to the speculation. Senator Akume is still the Secretary to the Government of the Federation,” an insider source disclosed, urging the public to disregard the rumour.
Senator George Akume, a former governor of Benue State and former Minister of Special Duties, was appointed SGF in June 2023. He has been instrumental in coordinating the implementation of the Tinubu administration’s “Renewed Hope” policy agenda. His recent political remarks, including calls for northern politicians to support Tinubu’s second-term ambition and wait until 2031 to contest, have generated significant public debate and may have triggered the false claims.
Hadiza Bala Usman, on her part, currently heads the Central Delivery Coordination Unit (CDCU), where she oversees performance tracking and policy execution across government ministries and agencies. While she holds a critical role in Tinubu’s policy framework, the Presidency clarified that she has not been elevated to the SGF position.
Observers believe the rumour was part of a coordinated disinformation campaign aimed at creating confusion within the ranks of the federal government and sowing distrust between key figures. Political analysts have urged the public to rely on official channels and verified information before drawing conclusions on such sensitive matters.
This clarification helps reinforce the image of stability within the Tinubu administration amid persistent political rumours. Both Akume and Bala Usman continue to serve in their designated roles as part of a broader national governance strategy.
