Buhari clocks 78, Tinubu, govs, N’Assembly leaders, others pay homage

National leader of the All Progressives Party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, state governors, Senate President Ahmad Lawan, House of Representatives Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila and other prominent Nigerians have felicitated with President Muhammadu Buhari on his 78th birthday.

Tinubu, in his birthday message to Buhari, called him a “true patriot who wants the best for the nation.”

He said in the congratulatory statement, “I join with all patriotic and peace-loving Nigerians in supporting your efforts to move Nigeria forward and to find lasting solutions to the longstanding issues that have faced our nation for so long.

“You are a true patriot who wants the best for the nation and I join you in this desire. May Almighty Allah bless these efforts and support us so that at the end of the day we shall overcome and that Nigeria must stand as a prosperous and peaceful nation.”

Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa said the Buhari administration had continued to make progress in some key infrastructure areas, especially the railways and the second Niger Bridge.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Olisa Ifeajika, the governor said, “On the occasion of your 78th birth anniversary on December 17, 2020, I heartily rejoice with you and your family on behalf of the Government and people of Delta State.”

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in a congratulatory message by his Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, said, “You have sacrificed the greater part of your adult life in service of our dear country. Therefore, you deserve to be celebrated.

“Your passion for Nigeria and quest for good leadership in our country made you to contest for presidential election four consecutive times before you were elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015. Your integrity and forthright attitude to governance got you another mandate in 2019.”

Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola noted that despite several challenges bedeviling the country, President Buhari had made remarkable and impactful contributions to the growth and development of Nigeria.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipidan, the governor said: “It is noteworthy to mention that, despite the noticeable challenges confronting our nation, you have made remarkable and impactful contributions to the growth and development of the country. You have been an incorruptible, honest and people-oriented leader.”

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, said, “As you continue to serve our nation with an uncommon sense of patriotism and unwavering dedication, I thank Almighty God for granting you a life of great accomplishments and abiding fulfilment.

“I have no doubt that as you celebrate your birthday, you will be more concerned about the myriad of challenges facing the nation and how to resolve them to the advantage of our people.”

Senate President Ahmad Lawan noted that President Buhari, in all his years of leadership, had been showing “undeniable commitment to the unity, peace and even development of Nigeria.”

In a statement in Abuja, he added, “From the ongoing massive infrastructure projects across the country, series of programmes targeted at lifting the most vulnerable, like the social investment scheme, to the numerous bold initiatives of his government aimed at diversifying the economy, President Buhari is leveraging his integrity and good standing with the masses to courageously guide Nigeria through a difficult phase into future prosperity.”

Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege emphasised that President Buhari’s purposeful leadership, commitment to the cause of the masses, as exemplified in the people-oriented policies and programmes of his administration, have endeared him to many.

Gbajabiamila said President Buhari deserved to be celebrated at 78, given his commitment to a better Nigeria for the good of the citizens, adding, “Nigeria and Nigerians have gained a lot from your wealth of experience and selfless service to the country and humanity in your 78-year sojourn on mother earth.”

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of State, Dr Ramatu Aliyu, said, “You are a visionary leader and a celebrated anti-corruption crusader in and outside the shores of Nigeria. You are a gift to this nation, and you deserve the best.”