Prominent leaders, including former President Muhammadu Buhari, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abass, state governors and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, have felicitated President Bola Tinubu on his 73rd birthday.
Tinubu clocked 73 on Saturday.
In a telephone conversation on Friday, Buhari joined Tinubu’s family and the nation in celebrating the President’s special day.
Buhari expressed his best wishes, asking for long life, good health, and a successful administration for Tinubu as he leads the country.
“When we pray for our leaders, we are praying for ourselves and the nation. We owe this to ourselves and the nation,” a statement by Garba Shehu, the former Senior Special Assistant, Media and Publicity to Buhari, quoted the ex-president as saying to Tinubu.
Buhari added that his family and himself remained indebted to Tinubu and the other leaders of the party for the invaluable contributions they made towards the formation of the All Progressives Congress, catapulting him to the presidency for two terms after failed attempts in the past, and helping to produce another APC administration with the Asiwaju himself at its head.
The statement read, “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 organiser, party builder, a reliable ally and a serial winner of democratic elections. I am truly proud of my association with the Asiwaju.”
Also congratulating the president, Abbas eulogised Tinubu, saying Nigeria was lucky to have a democrat and patriot in the person of the president as its leader at the critical point in the country’s democratic journey.
In a birthday message issued by the Special Adviser to the Speaker on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, Abbas described Tinubu as “One of the most experienced politicians to have occupied the presidential seat, having at various times excelled at the state and federal levels in the executive and legislative arms of the government.”
“It is indeed a day of celebration not just for His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, and his family but also for every well-meaning Nigerian.”
On his part, the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, congratulated the President for his courage in taking some painful but necessary steps to stabilise the economy.
In a congratulatory message issued on Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu lauded Tinubu’s efforts to develop the geo-political zones in Nigeria through the creation of regional development commissions.
“President Tinubu’s leadership has been a game-changer for Nigeria. His commitment to economic reforms and development is unwavering, and we are confident that his policies will yield positive results in the long run,” the statement read in part.
Similarly, the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, said under Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ administration, the state witnessed unprecedented federal presence and support, including infrastructural projects and appointments.
The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, said, “I write to congratulate an icon, a worthy example in excellence, courage and passion; a dogged fighter and leader of leaders, His Excellency, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, on the auspicious occasion of his 73rd birthday.
“Dear Mr. President, your life has been a testament of what only God and determination could do. The Nigerian political scene remains incomplete without a worthy mention of your unconditional contributions even before democracy returned in 1999.”
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, also expressed warmest felicitations to the President.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kalu Ukoha, Otti said, “As we celebrate the life, leadership, and unwavering dedication of Mr. President to the progress and unity of our nation, we salute him for his resilience and sacrifice in building a strong and united nation.”
Otti prayed to God to continue to “grant President Tinubu the strength, wisdom and good health to steer the ship of our Nation to greater heights.”
Extolling the president, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, in a statement by his Director, Media & Public Affairs, Moses Olafare, said, “A child destined for greatness will exhibit excellence from infancy.”
He appreciated Tinubu’s contributions to the entrenchment of democracy in Nigeria, adding that it remained an indelible legacy that history would always celebrate.
The statement read, “From the trenches of democratic struggles to the pinnacle of national leadership, President Tinubu has stood as a champion of progressive governance.
“His relentless fight for justice, equity, and good governance has uplifted many, rekindling hope in the hearts of countless Nigerians. As he marks this significant age, we pray that Olodumare, the Almighty, continues to grant him wisdom, strength, and divine guidance.”
In his tribute, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo described President Tinubu as the “Aare Ona Kankafo” of all political and democratic struggles in the land.
He said, “Let us pay tribute to this enigmatic and bold reformer as he turns 73; this quintessential democrat; this master of political consensus; this consummate politician; this exemplary President, and this ‘Aare Ona Kankafo’ of all political and democratic struggles.”
According to the Minister, “It will take decades before Nigerians truly and fully understand and appreciate the value President Tinubu has brought into our democratic space in all ramifications and the audacity with which he has taken on some of our key systemic challenges as a nation, root and branch.”
Also, the senator representing Abia North at the National Assembly, Orji Uzor Kalu, noted told the President that “As you celebrate another year of life, I pray that God grants you continued good health, wisdom, and strength to keep serving our great nation.”
Similarly, the senator representing Abia South, Enyinnaya Abaribe, wished the President more years of God’s blessings and grace.