SGF Akume Dispels Sack Rumours, Affirms Tinubu’s Unwavering Confidence

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has firmly dismissed circulating reports alleging his removal from office by President Bola Tinubu, asserting that the President reposes full confidence in his ability to discharge his duties.

In a statement released on Sunday, June 29, 2025, by his Director of Press and Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, Akume described the rumours as “entirely false, misleading, and lacking any basis in fact.” He emphatically stated that “Mr President has no any intention of doing so,” labeling the speculation as the work of mischief-makers intent on disinforming the public.

Rumours about Akume’s purported sack and replacement, with some reports even naming the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, as his successor, have been circulating widely on social media and some news platforms.

However, the SGF’s office directly addressed these claims. The statement underscored President Tinubu’s unwavering trust in Akume’s capacity “to discharge his statutory obligation of formulating and implementing policies and programmes of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration.”

The Office of the SGF also urged Nigerians, media houses, and digital platforms to disregard such rumours and to prioritize fact-checking over sensationalism. It reiterated that “Spreading unverified or intentionally false narratives not only undermines public trust but also poses a threat to the integrity of our institutions.”

This strong denial from Akume’s office corroborates an earlier statement issued on Saturday by Chief Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Strategy. Onanuga had also debunked the claims, clarifying that President Tinubu, who is currently on a diplomatic visit to Saint Lucia, had not made any new appointments or changes to the SGF position.

The coordinated denials from both the SGF’s office and the Presidency aim to put an end to the speculation surrounding Akume’s position, reaffirming his continued role as a key member of President Tinubu’s cabinet.