The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), on Sunday eulogised a national leader of the All Progresives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, as he turns 69 today.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, titled, ‘President Buhari greets Asiwaju Bola Tinubu on 69th birthday, 12th colloquim,’ Buhari described Tinubu as a “patriot and statesman.”
The statement read, “President Muhammadu Buhari joins the governing party, All Progressives Congress, and its teeming members in congratulating Asiwaju Bola Tinubu on his 69th birthday, March 29, 2021, sharing the joyous occasion with the former two-term governor of Lagos State, whose acumen and influence continue to resonate round the country and beyond.
“The President rejoices with the ‘patriot and statesman’ on the 12th colloquium, an intellectual gathering to commemorate his birthday, that had over the years turned into a veritable opportunity for discussing topical national issues, and harnessing ideas that will move the nation forward.”
Senate President, deputy greet Tinubu
Similarly, the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan; and his deputy, Ovie Omo-Agege, on Sunday congratulated Tinubu.
Lawan and Omo-Agege in separate statements by their media offices said they joined the family members, friends and political associates of the APC leader in rejoicing with him.
Lawan said, “A leader of leaders, political strategist and astute administrator, Asiwaju Tinubu has in three decades of active roles in the politics of Nigeria impacted many lives and greatly contributed to improving the polity.”
Omo-Agege applauded the former lawmaker for working to nurture and strengthen democracy.
He said, “Without question, you have written your name in gold. You have devoted your life to public service with extraordinary courage, resilience and tenacity of purpose. We appreciate your patriotic commitment to nation building.”
APC, PGF, hail ex-Lagos gov
Likewise, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, the All Progressives Congress and the Progressive Governors Forum hailed Tinubu.
In a statement, Gbajabiamila said the Tinubu had been living a fulfilled life worthy of emulation by all.
The statement partly reads, “The Jagaban of Borgu kingdom means many positive things to different people. To some, he is an emancipator; to others, he is a great philanthropist. Yet, to some people, Asiwaju is a rallying point, a unifying pillar. His democratic credentials are unrivalled. His philanthropic activities transcend borders. To the Asiwaju, life is nothing without touching the lives of people.”
The APC in a statement by the Governor of Yobe State and National Chairman Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, Mai Mala Buni, described Tinubu as a man of excellence, a true democrat and a great leader.
The statement reads partly, “As a Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is passionate about the future of the people; as a developmental democrat, he is a proponent of due process and rule of law. His humble and humane disposition made him a great philanthropist. The APC family is proud of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s many achievements.”
In another separate statement, the Governor of Yobe State and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Abubakar Bagudu, said governors on the platform of the ruling party “will always continue to look up to you (Tinubu) for inspiring guidance.”
Also, the Governor of Ekiti State and Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Dr Kayode Fayemi, on Sunday congratulated Tinubu.
Fayemi in a message by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, described the former Lagos Governor as a distinguished Nigerian and a reliable leader.
“Asiwaju Tinubu’s ability to identify, nurture and engage talents is unequalled. His life has been a testimony of human capital development in an unrelenting struggle for a better life for the people,” the statement reads partly.
Copyright PUNCH.
