The Government Secondary School Otukpo Old Boys Association (OGSSOBA) has expressed its support for Senator George Igbegbe Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's re-election bid in 2027. OGSSOBA, with over 10,000 members, has branches across Nigeria, including Plateau, Lagos, and Benue states. The association's national convener, Okpe Oko, stated that they will follow Senator Akume, whom they consider their father and political leader in Benue state.
Senator Akume, a former two-term governor of Benue state and senator representing Benue North West Senatorial District, graduated from Government Secondary School Otukpo in 1971. The association is proud of its members who have excelled in various fields, including the military, civil service, and law. Two of its notable alumni are State Chief Judges Justice Iorhemen Hwande and Justice Adam Onum. The school's motto, "Discipline and Service," is reflected in the high level of discipline exhibited by its alumni.
According to Okpe Oko, the group is supporting President Tinubu's re-election bid due to his bold steps in governance, including the removal of fuel subsidies. Oko noted that previous administrations had opted to end the subsidy regime but postponed the decision due to fears of public protests and electoral victimization. The group's national coordinator, Chief Ali Igboyi, stated that President Tinubu's economic reforms, infrastructure projects, and security initiatives are laying a stronger foundation for growth and prosperity in the North Central region and Nigeria at large.
President Tinubu has described Senator Akume as the longest-serving public servant in Nigeria's contemporary history. Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, recently attended the wedding reception of Senator Akume's son, where he praised Akume's leadership and kindness. The President stressed that Akume's contributions to Benue state and Nigeria supersede any divisions, and his efforts will continue to benefit the country.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has commended President Tinubu's economic reforms and the "Renewed Hope Agenda." Alake noted that the President's decision to remove fuel subsidies was necessary to rescue the country from long-term economic failures. He described President Tinubu as a courageous leader who took bold steps to address Nigeria's economic problems.
Chief Igboyi highlighted the ongoing federal infrastructure projects in the North Central region, including the Buruku-Logo Bridge and Makurdi-Gboko Road in Benue state. He also mentioned the recently commissioned $250 million Diamond New Energy lithium mining and processing facility in Nasarawa state, which exemplifies the Tinubu administration's policy of moving Nigeria towards processing, industrialization, and value addition.
The OGSSOBA's support for Senator Akume and President Tinubu's re-election bid is a significant endorsement for the duo. The association's decision to back Akume and Tinubu reflects their confidence in their leadership and vision for Nigeria's future. Key projects and initiatives implemented by the Tinubu administration have earned the group’s confidence.
Key points
- The Government Secondary School Otukpo Old Boys Association supports Senator George Akume and President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid.
- Senator Akume is considered a father and political leader by the association.
- President Tinubu's economic reforms and infrastructure projects have earned the group's confidence.
