President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated former Lagos State governor and leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, as he clocks 64 years today.
The president, in a statement yesterday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said he believes that the rising political profile of Tinubu since he was elected a Senator in 1992 is a testimony to his forthrightness, diligence and doggedness.
Buhari explained that it is the same qualities that had endeared him to the electorate and given him all-round success as a private sector worker, a businessman and two-term governor of Lagos State. “As one of the pillars of the APC, President Buhari commends the visionary leadership style of the Asiwaju of Lagos, who is also the Jagaban of the Borgu Kingdom in Niger State, for creating a formidable opposition party in Nigeria that worked vigorously within a short period to oust a party that had been in power for 16 years,” he stated.
The president assured Tinubu, whom he affirmed as the national leader, that his patriotism and commitment to democracy and good governance and his generous spirit will always be remembered and appreciated by generations of Nigerians. The president prayed that the Almighty God will grant Tinubu “long life, good health, wisdom and prosperity as he steadfastly supports efforts to promote the development of Nigeria.”
Eminent businessman and former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu, has congratulated Tinubu on his 64th birthday.
Kalu stated that the frontline politician is a force to reckon with beyond the shores of Nigeria. According to him, over the years, Tinubu has remained on the side of the masses in all ramifications and that the large cult-like followership of the APC chieftain is clear testament of his selflessness and large heart. In a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Prince Kunle Oyewumi, Kalu said: “I join millions of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s well-wishers, supporters, followers, political associates and family in celebrating an icon whose contributions to the social, economic and political development of Nigeria is commendable.
“Your doggedness, forth rightness and passion for a just society have earned you goodwill across the country, regardless of political affiliations. “During the military era, you sustained your stand as a welfarist despite the humiliation from the powers that be. “You have continued to sacrifice endlessly for the sake of democracy in Nigeria.
“As you add another year, my brother and friend, I pray that God Almighty will continue to give you the strength and wisdom in the service of God and humanity.” Kalu added that: “Asiwaju’s exemplary leadership qualities as a consummate politician and a philanthropist are worth emulating. Nigeria needs bold and patriotic leaders for the country to prosper.”
Also, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has described Tinubu as a formidable political force who has brought changes to the political landscape of Nigeria. Dogara, in a press statement issued by his spokesman, Mr. Turaki Hassan, said: “On this joyous occasion of your birthday, we in the House of Representatives, salute you, great leader, for the milestones you have attained in Nigeria.
“Your feats are bold and exceptional; from business to governance and politics. As a governor, you made sweeping reforms that till date; your successors are still building on and making Lagos State proud.
“In politics, you have been a formidable force, helping to put together a great political party that won power at the centre in Nigeria. You have proved to be a true hero of democracy, a light that cannot be concealed!” he said. Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, said, “Tinubu’s life has been an eventful one dotted by numerous achievements and accomplishments.” “Nigeria has benefitted immensely from your fountain of knowledge, wealth of experience, political sagacity and leadership acumen. The remarkable impact you have made in all spheres of human endeavour remains a reference point,” Amosun said.
Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun described Tinubu as a true democrat and bridge-builder. In a statement signed by the Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, Aregbesola said: “Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu means many things to many people but there are certain things that everyone agrees about him: a political think-thank, master strategist, promoter of politics of inclusion, political futurist and fearless activist and top politician per excellence.
“No doubt, the accounts of modern Nigerian political evolution would not be complete without ample recognition of the roles of this selfless political leader.”
