The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for what he described as decisive and strategic leadership that led to the successful rescue of abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
According to an official statement signed by the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the OSGF, Yomi Odunuga, Akume made the remarks on Tuesday in Abuja while receiving members of the Global Association of Christian and Muslim Youth for Peace and Development, led by its President, Peter Asuquo Bassey.
The SGF said the successful rescue operation demonstrated the Tinubu administration’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians through carefully coordinated security operations rather than political grandstanding.
Reacting to comments by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde that he had yet to receive a telephone call from the President over the abduction, Akume said the President prioritised the successful rescue of the victims over symbolic gestures.
He argued that effective leadership should be measured by tangible results, noting that a telephone call would not have secured the release of those held captive.
Akume said President Tinubu had approached the fight against insecurity with political sagacity and strategic planning, leading to the safe rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers.
He maintained that terrorism and kidnapping require intelligence-driven security operations rather than political rhetoric, adding that the Federal Government remains committed to restoring peace, protecting lives and creating an environment where Nigerians can pursue their legitimate aspirations without fear.
The SGF also commended the Global Association of Christian and Muslim Youth for Peace and Development for promoting peace, unity and national cohesion through interfaith collaboration.
He described the association’s efforts as timely, stressing that national unity transcends religious differences and remains essential for Nigeria’s progress.
Akume assured the group of the Federal Government’s continued support for initiatives that promote peaceful coexistence, civic responsibility and national integration.
Earlier, President of the association, Peter Asuquo Bassey, said the visit was to strengthen the organisation’s relationship with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, citing Akume’s track record of public service and commitment to nation-building.
Bassey said the association would continue mobilising young Nigerians across religious and ethnic divides to promote peaceful coexistence and support government programmes through factual public engagement.
He also disclosed that preparations were underway for a National Peace Summit scheduled for September 2026 to promote peace, tolerance and national unity, while seeking the SGF’s support to ensure the success of the event.
