…Arewa Think Tank says his second term chance bright, assured
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Charity Nwakaudu, Adesuwa Tsan (Abuja), Olanrewaju Lawal (Birnin Kebbi), Tony Osauzo (Benin), Jude Owuamanam (Jos), Scholastica Hir (Makurdi), Noah Ebije (Kaduna),
Former President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed pride in his association with President Bola Tinubu, as he joined the nation in celebrating his birthday on Friday.
In a heartfelt phone call, Buhari extended prayers for Tinubu’s long life, good health, and success in leading Nigeria.
“When we pray for our leaders, we are praying for ourselves and the nation. We owe this to ourselves and the nation,” Buhari said to President Tinubu.
According to a statement issued by his media aide, Garba Shehu, reflecting on their shared political journey, Buhari acknowledged Tinubu’s pivotal role in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which facilitated Buhari’s two-term presidency after previous unsuccessful attempts.
He praised Tinubu’s contributions as a party builder and reliable ally, describing him as a “serial winner of democratic elections” whose impact on Nigeria’s history is undeniable.
“No doubt, the annals of the country will not be complete without bringing into mention, and a recognition of the varied and numerous roles of President Tinubu as an entrepreneur, a party stalwart, a staunch activist, party organizer, party builder, a reliable ally and a serial winner of democratic elections. I am truly proud of my association with the Asiwaju,” Buhari said.
Former Military President Ibrahim B. Babangida, in a heartfelt message he sent to felicitate with President Tinubu, said: “There comes a time in the life of a nation when uncommon personality and courageous disposition form the basis for appreciating the essentials of problem-solving leadership.
“With your rich background in the struggle for the emancipation of the ordinary Nigerian, coupled with your commitment to deepening democratic values in Nigeria, your history speaks for your persona. At a time like this, when your birthday strikes the right chord, it is gratifying to join millions of your admirers, associates, supporters and fellow Nigerians to celebrate you with a pat on the back. You have come to lead Nigeria at a very trying time in our nation’s history, but your leadership intervention thus far, has been very remarkable, bold, resilient and encouraging. Only those who have been there know exactly the grit required to lead Nigeria and Nigerians.
“Mr. President, let me assure you of my support and solidarity always. Even though the challenges facing us as a nation may be daunting, you have shown equal commitment to contend with the realities that stare us in the face. I can easily recollect when our paths crossed in the late eighties when the government I ran was trying to birth democracy. You have remained consistent to your ideals, principles and democratic values till date.”
Babangida further said that a result-driven and utility leader like Tinubu fits the present challenges especially with the kind of innovations and policy thrust of his administration, and urged him not be tired or discouraged in providing the desired leadership to move the country forward, adding: “You have shown grit, gusto and gravitas in your leadership emanations, and the courage you have exemplified speaks to your capacity to take uncommon decisions.”
Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, in a congratulatory message signed by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Alhaji Abdullahi Idris Zuru, described the President as a “beacon of hope, bridge builder and unifier who selflessly committed his life, energy, resources and political influence in championing the struggle for one indivisible Nigeria under a democratic governance in accordance with international best practices.”
He explained that President Tinubu’s struggle for democratic governance since his youthful age through different pro-democracy forces, resulted to the return of democratic rule in the country and his eventual emergence as elected Lagos state Governor and subsequently, president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under the platform of great party, the All Progressive Party, (APC).
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, said President’s dedication to national development and unwavering commitment to the progress of the nation is truly commendable.
“President Tinubu’s visionary leadership and tireless efforts to steer Nigeria towards greater heights are deeply appreciated. As the father of modern Nigeria, President Tinubu is making huge impacts that Nigerians will one day remember him for,” Okpebholo said, noting that President Tinubu’s wealth of experience, political sagacity, and unwavering resolve in addressing the challenges facing our nation have been instrumental in shaping the current trajectory of our country.
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, while felicitating the President in a message signed by the Director of Press and Public Affairs, Mr Gyang Bere, described Tinubu as a visionary leader whose unwavering commitment and foresight are shaping Nigeria’s path toward progress and prosperity. He lauded the President’s courage and resilience in confronting national challenges, fostering peace, unity, and strengthening national cohesion.
The Leader of the Senate, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, through his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs highlighted Tinubu’s achievements over the past 22 months in office, emphasising his efforts to reform the Nigerian economy despite prevailing challenges.
According to Bamidele, President Tinubu has worked with his economic team to steer the country away from economic decline and towards progress, noting that the Tinubu had taken bold steps to address structural issues, including the removal of fuel and foreign exchange subsidies, which he said are now yielding positive outcomes with a gradual reduction in food and fuel prices.
In his message, sharing in the joy of the President Tinubu’s 73rd birthday celebration, Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia had in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Tersoo Kula, appreciated God for the gift of life and the strength granted to the nation’s Number 1 citizen, stating that the President “has shown Benue State considerable love, given the numerous appointments, award of infrastructural developmental projects, and other federal government interventions in the state.”
Differentiating itself and to demonstrate the high esteem in which it hold President Tinubu, pro-Northern group, Arewa Think Tank (ATT) yesterday organized a prayer session in Kaduna for the 73rd birthday celebration of President Bola Tinubu, during which two Islamic clerics, Sheikh Yahaya Musa and Abdulkareem Abumujahidah led the prayer session.
The clerics used the occasion to urge Nigerians not to cease from praying at all times as part of encouraging the country’s leaders to ensure speedy development for the country.
Earlier in his remarks, the Convener of Arewa Think Tank, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, informed that the gathering was solely for prayer session in commemoration of the 73rd birthday celebration of President Bola Tinubu, stressing the event had nothing to do with any political gathering.
However, while fielding questions from journalists shortly after the occasion, he expressed optimism that President Tinubu’s chance for second term was so bright because of various reforms he has implemented, “which are now yielding results; so his coming back to office for the second tenure is very much assured by the grace of God.”
The Leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, Chief Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, while congratulating Tinubu, said that he is on the path of transforming Nigeria.
In a message by the National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Comrade Jare Ajayi, Fasoranti who is the Asiwaju Yoruba recalled how Tinubu committed himself to democratic principles of progressive colouration in the tradition of Afenifere.
On his part, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has described President Bola Tinubu as a transformative leader whose vision and courage will leave an indelible mark on history.
Alake in a birthday tribute to the President emphasised that the occasion couldn’t have come at a more auspicious time, coinciding with the end of the holy month of Ramadan. He urged Nigerians to accede to the president’s request of celebrating with him by praying for the peace and prosperity of the nation.
Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Basheer Lado, commended his dedication to democracy and governance in Nigeria.
Lado described President Tinubu as a selfless leader whose sacrifices have played a pivotal role in the sustenance of democracy in the country.