By Emmanuel Antswen
Makurdi – Gov. Samuel Ortom, of Benue, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other stakeholders on Tuesday felicitated with Sen. George Akume on his 63 birthday.
Akume, the Senator representing Benue North West Senatorial District and chieftain of the APC, was a former governor of the state.
The former Senate Minority Leader was born on Dec. 27, 1953.
Ortom, in a letter of felicitation signed by his Media Adviser, Mr Tahav Agerzua, expressed gratitude to God for His grace and blessings on the life of Sen. Akume, which has enabled him to record great successes in life.
The statement also commended Akume’s sterling leadership qualities which have endeared him to the people of the state who elected him two times as their governor and three times as senator.
Ortom described the celebrator as a visionary leader and one of those who braved the odds to usher in the wind of change that blew across the country in the 2015 General elections.
The governor prayed God to grant Akume long life, good health, his guidance and protection so that he would continue to offer purposeful leadership to the people of the state and Nigeria at large.
Also, the Benue State Working Committee, All Progressives Congress (APC) heartily felicitated Akume, who is the the leader of the party in the state.
In a letter jointly signed by the State Chairman, Mr Abba Yaro and Secretary, Mr Onov Tyuulugh, the party recalled with nostalgia the indefatigable role Akume played in bringing change to Benue and Nigeria at large.
“As a peace loving leader, Senator Akume had defied all provocations and mayhem that were unleashed on party supporters and properties to lead the party to victory, a disposition that has kept the party as one till date.
“We wish to pledge our total and unalloyed loyalty to you, the party and the success of Benue state.
“While praying God to sustain the wisdom He bestowed on you all this years of struggle for the emancipation of “Change Benue”, we urge you to continue to handle the affairs of the party in the manner you have done in other to take us to another victory.”
The Chairman, Benue Board of Internal Revenue Service (BIRS), Mrs Mimi Orubibi, in her congratulatory message, said the senator had lived a fulfilled life.
“Our very own change leader, Senator Akume is 63! May God continue to direct your path as you lead us, and bless you abundantly for the selfless services to your state and nation.
“It is now very clear that you will define Nigeria’s politics in the years ahead. Benue and Nigerians are lucky to have you, age with grace,” the statement read.
Mr Emmanuel Manger, the Commissioner for Works, Transport and Energy, thanked God for the life of the senator and prayed for God’s guidance and protection for Akume to continue to give service to his people.
