President Muhammadu Buhari has sent his warm felicitations to the National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his 67th birthday. Tinubu, a two-time governor of Lagos state is celebrating his birthday today, Friday.
President Buhari described Tinubu as one of the strong pillars of Nigeria’s democracy.
“President Buhari joins the APC family in celebrating the Asiwaju of Lagos, who is also the Jagaban of Borgu Kingdom in Niger State, for his selflessness in serving his country, and making life better for many,” Mr Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President, quoted Buhari as saying.
The President listed some of the sacrifices of the party chieftain to include standing up against injustice in 1993 when the June 12 elections were annulled, which led to his going on political exile for many years, and a protracted legal battle with the Federal Government when funds for Lagos were withheld.
“President Buhari affirms that Asiwaju’s uncompromising posture in the face of injustice and refusal to follow the path of least resistance for personal gains stand him out today as a rare breed and one of the cornerstones of Nigeria’s democracy, especially with his track record of persistence, consistency and effective leadership.
“As the father of modern Lagos State, the President commends the visionary and inclusive leadership style that the Asiwaju provided for the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria for eight years, laying the foundation for a modern and technologically driven city, and ensuring that every successive leader in the state sticks with the masterplan of a greater Lagos.”
President Buhari rejoiced with the family members, friends, political and business associates of the Jagaban on the auspicious milestone, “which is further brightened with the many successes recorded at the recently concluded polls by his strong leadership”.
The President believes the best years of the APC National Leader are still ahead, praying that the almighty God will grant him longer life, good health and more wisdom to keep serving the country he loves so much.
In a related development, Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi also on Thursday, congratulated Tinubu on his 67th birthday celebration, describing him as the leading light of progressive politics in the country, a fact which he said critics of the APC leader usually acknowledge.
In a media statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
Yinka Oyebode, Fayemi who recalled his working relationship with the former NADECO chieftain, said Asiwaju Tinubu remained a dependable, reliable and passionate leader, whose record of grooming successful disciples is unmatchable.
Fayemi said: “ I celebrate you today as always because you have been a reliable, dependable and passionate leader. The hallmark of a great leader is not measured in castles and materials, but in his ability to groom and lead successful disciples.
“Like a colossus in the jungle of life, your ability to identify, nurture and engage talents is unequalled.
“Your life has been a testimony of human capital development in an unrelenting struggle for a better life. Even your political detractors secretly admire your courage, vibrancy, intelligence, ebullience, kind-heartedness, warmth and sagacity.
“I will forever cherish the memory of our struggles for the enthronement and sustenance of democracy and good governance in Nigeria. Your infectious smile, as we have witnessed together on a number of occasions, is disarming. You have, over the years, succeeded in constantly reinventing yourself as a leading light of progressive politics.
“You mean different things to different people. To some, you are a patriotic politician, while to others, you are a political strategist who loves challenging the powers-that-be as a result of your passion and desire to see that your people are not deprived of their rights at any time.
“You might not be the darling of all, but you have carved a niche for yourself in the political history of Nigeria. May providence reward your labour of love with long life in good health, unspeakable joy and everlasting bliss.
“On behalf of the government and good people of Ekiti State, I wish you the best of what your new year can offer. Above all, I wish you many more useful and productive years”, He added.
