Updated: Osinbajo, Jonathan, Atiku,Tinubu, others extol Buhari qualities at 80

• Delta, Ebonyi, Lagos govs hail PMB too

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Vice President and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, his All Progressives Congress counterpart Boka Tinubu, and incumbent Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, have felicitated President Muhammadu Buhari on his 80th birthday.

In a birthday message on Saturday, Osinbajo said Bubari’s unblemished service to Nigeria shows that it is possible to serve the nation honestly and selflessly.

“Your extraordinary life of unblemished service to the nation in the army, as a governor, minister, military Head of State and as a two-term civilian president demonstrates that it is possible to serve the nation and our people honestly, forthrightly and selflessly.

Jonathan, in a message by his Special Adviser on Media, Ikechukwu Eze, prayed for God’s guidance and protection over Buhari as he continued to pilot the affairs of the nation in the remaining months of his administration.

He said the President was given an exceptional opportunity of leading the country twice, both as a military head of state and civilian president.

“As a leader, you are one of the few Nigerians who have been privileged to administer our country at different political eras; both as a military Head of State and civilian President. During these times, you offered your best efforts in the pursuit of your aspirations for the nation,” message partly read.

Atiku, in a statement he personally signed on Friday said “President Buhari, at 80, continues to be a motivation for inner strength.”

The PDP candidate prayed for Buhari “to continue to enjoy the grace of good health and vitality as he continues to play his leadership roles in Nigeria and Africa.”

Also, the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Senator Bola Tinubu, described President Buhari as a selfless and steadfast leader, a patriot with uncommon zeal who has dedicated almost his entire life to the service of Nigeria.

Tinubu, in a congratulatory message on Buhari’s 80th birthday, which was signed by his media aide, Tunde Rahman, hailed the president for his commitment to nation-building and long years of patriotic service to the country.

The APC candidate noted that Buhari enlisted himself into the service of the country as a teenager by joining the military immediately after secondary school.

According to him, at 80, the President can look back and be proud of his record of service to the nation throughout his military career as a soldier, platoon commander, General Officer Commanding, military governor, Minister of Petroleum, Head of State, chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund and as the current leader of the country.

Lagos State governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has also congratulated President Buhari, describing him as a courageous and passionate leader, whose commitment to the growth and development of Nigeria is worthy of emulation.

Sanwo-Olu, in a message issued on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr Gboyega Akosile, said since he assumed office on May 29, 2015, Buhari had demonstrated patriotism, integrity, honesty and courage in the task of steering the ship of Nigeria in the right direction.

Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State, in a statement he signed and made available to newsmen on Saturday, said the government and people of the state were proud of Buhari’s rare life accomplishments.

“We thank God for blessing you with good health, wisdom and rare sense of leadership.

“We also thank God for making you a rallying point in the progressive march of achieving a nation of our pride despite daunting challenges,” he said.

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta and Vice Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) congratulated the President on his 80th birthday.

Okowa, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, on Saturday in Asaba extended the goodwill of the government and people of the state to the President on the landmark anniversary.

He stated, “Your administration has provided support to states and local governments through interventions and refunds to mitigate the myriad of economic challenges faced by the two tiers of government.

“As you celebrate this year’s anniversary, it is my prayer and that of people of Delta that God will continue to grant you good health and wisdom to finish strong as your administration winds down.”