By Emmanuel Oladesu, Deputy Editor, Bolaji Ogundele, Abuja, Tony Akowe, Abuja, Sanni Onogu, Abuja, Sam Anokam and Mike Odiegwu, Port Harcourt
Former President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday led other leaders in extolling the virtues of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who clocks 72 today.
Buhari, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos State), Sim Fubara (Rivers) and Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), and other party leaders praised the president for lifting the country to enviable heights.
The 72nd birthday is a low key celebration. President Tinubu, who had thanked his admirers and other Nigerians, implored them not to make it a fanfare.
For almost two decades, well-wishers have been organising colloquiums every year to mark his birthday.
Two years ago, the President cancelled the colloquium at the Lagos venue, in respect for victims of the Kaduna train attack.
Tinubu told the guests who were already seated to return home and pray for the safe release of some passengers, who were abducted by the attackers.
Last week, the president explained his decision to forego an elaborate celebration in a message posted on his X handle by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to him, the ceremony will not align with the current mood in the country.
Onanuga said: “Besides, he didn’t want government agencies to use public fund to place congratulatory adverts for him.
“He (Tinubu) restated that he would rather want well-wishers to give the money to orphanages or old people’s homes.”
Tinubu resolving Nigeria’s problems, says Buhari
Buhari, who handed over to Tinubu last year, “wished him a long and healthy life to benefit the nation from his excellent leadership.”
In a statement by his spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu, the former President lauded President Tinubu for what he called the sustained efforts he has made to steer the nation away from its many problems.
Buhari added: “My family and I pray to God that you remain healthy and happy and continue to work for the betterment of the country. Happy birthday to you”.
Abbas hails ‘grand master of progressive politics’
House Speaker Abbas described Tinubu as the grand master of progressive politics, who has dedicated his life to the service of the country and humanity.
He said the president has refined and redefined politics and governance in Nigeria, adding that his name would occupy a vantage position in history.
Abbas predicted that Tinubu administration will be rated as one of the best in the country.
He said: “I wish His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a happy birthday. While it is his desire, as a passionate leader, that his birthday celebrations should be low-key, it is also an attestation to his selfless leadership style, which we are all emulating.
“Nevertheless, we can’t but express our admiration for a man who is willing and on the verge of transforming the socio-political and economic conditions of our country.
“It is our prayer that the Almighty Allah continues to strengthen him, grant him the grace and the wisdom to navigate our dear country out of the current turbulence,” Abbas said.
The Speaker urged Nigerians to pray for the president and his administration, as well as give him that maximum support so that his “Renewed Hope Agenda” would achieve its objectives.
Kalu: he is a pragmatic leader
Deputy House Speaker Benjamin Kalu applauded the President for his pragmatic moves, saying that they are gradually helping the economy to rebound.
In a statement by his Chief Presss Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, he saluted the ‘president’s resilience, courage and tact’.
The Deputy Speaker expressed optimism of a virile economy and a future that will raise the living standard of Nigerians and assured the President of the necessary legislative interventions to achieve the set objectives.
He said: “As a former governor of Lagos State, you showed leadership and capacity. Now that the people of Nigeria have collectively entrusted in your care the Presidency and the fortunes of the country, your vision for a united country and a virile economy is being achieved.
“I applaud your courage, resilience, tact, determination and the pragmatic steps you are taking in the Renewed Hope Agenda to not only revive the economy but to make it healthier than you met it.
“I pray to God for an increase in strength, good health, and wisdom to continue working assiduously to change the narrative and move our dear country to the next level of positive results. Rest assured of my legislative support and interventions.”
A visionary leader, says Barau
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin described Tinubu as a visionary leader, urging Nigerians to support him.
Jubrin, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, described him as an embodiment of democratic ideals, who fought for the attainment and entrenchment of democracy.
He said: “No doubt, your democratic temperament and sagacity are greatly facilitating the achievement of the Renewed Hope Agenda – in synergy with the National Assembly – restoring hope and taking our dear nation out of the security and economic challenges besetting it.”
The Deputy Senate President urged Nigerians to pray for the country and offer their full support to Tinubu as he resets Nigeria.
Bamidele: He is a man of the people
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele paid tribute to his leader, describing him as a visionary and man of the people.
In a his “Ode to the President,” Bamidele, who represents Ekiti Central District, said the president has devoted his life to pursuing the greatest goods to the greatest number of people.
He said “this has been the core of his heart and life from when he was a boardroom guru in the 1980s to when he joined partisan politics in the 1990s.”
Bamidele said: At 72, as the President of Nigeria, Asiwaju has brought rare conviction and passion to the business of public governance, courageously daring the forces of regression and tirelessly pursuing the interest of over 227 million regardless of their faith, ideology and race.
“The task is truly daunting, but the victory is undoubted. Only within 10 months of Asiwaju’s ascendancy to the presidency, we have started witnessing the dawn of economic restoration and political renaissance under his watch.
“As I nostalgically reflect on the journey so far, I remember his labour and toil for our fatherland. I remember his undying passion to lead the path to a greater nation, even when the future looks so bleak and always unsure.
“I remember his utter commitment to a movement of patriots and progressives eternally sworn to rescue our fatherland from the claws of the ageless vultures and the rolling eyes of mindless hawks that never wanted Nigeria free. Despite their ferocity, he eventually subdued the enemies of our souls, even right in the midst of inferno they set ablaze for us all.
“That is the reality in our fatherland today. Asiwaju is at the forefront of that reality. And we are all witnesses to this history, even from its making to its maturation. Now, he graciously turns 72 on this auspicious day, I cannot, but earnestly pray God always grants him longer life and inner strength to steadily paddle the ship of our nation to the coast of endless ecstasy.”
‘Nigeria on path to sustainable growth”
The Chairman of Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions and Southern Senators’ Forum, Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, saluted the President for his accomplishments as a frontline Africa’s political leader, particularly his bold policy decisions that are geared towards returning Nigeria to a path of economic growth and sustainable development.
In a statement, he said:I salute the courage of our dear President in providing required leadership at this critical junction of our nation’s history. Only visionary leaders who are concerned about bequeathing enduring legacies of sustainable socio-economic development, will embark on landmark policy reforms that might cause some discomforts but will ensure a better tomorrow.
“I implore all Nigerians to show understanding with our President as he strives to restore our dear nation on the path of growth. President Tinubu is dealing with the wrong policy decisions of previous administrations that triggered the current economic crisis and hardship.
“As we collectively support the mission to rebuild Nigeria under President Tinubu as espoused in the Renewed Hope agenda, I am confident that the hardship and litany of challenges confronting our nation will be addressed. We should all be involved in building our nation together.”
Sanwo-Olu:Tinubu has provided honest leadership
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said Tinubu has provided honest leadership, adding that he is a courageous, audacious and passionate leader, who is committed to the progress, growth, and development of Nigeria.
Alluding to his contributions to national development, he said since Tinubu assumed office on May 29, last year, he has demonstrated unparalleled patriotism, integrity, honesty, and courage in steering the ship of state in the right direction.
Sanwo-Olu, in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, said President Tinubu has provided honest and transparent leadership in Nigeria by taking bold decisions to address challenges militating against the prosperity of Nigeria and Nigerians.
He described the President as a visionary and master strategist whose democratic credentials are scholarly materials for study in political economy.
He said: “President Tinubu has sacrificed the greater part of his life in the service of our dear state and Nigeria. He contributed to the enthronement of democracy and good governance, serving first as a Senator in the aborted Third Republic and later as a pro-democracy activist, working tirelessly as a member of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) to struggle for the de-annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
“President Tinubu’s financial wizardry and economic intellect, which he put to good use as the Governor of Lagos State, have taken our dear state to a greater height. Today, Lagos is the pride of Nigeria, occupying an enviable position as the fifth largest economy in Africa.
“President Tinubu has made positive impacts in the country through the Renewed Hope agenda of his administration. His unblemished service and track record of impressive achievements in public office have made him a role model for many Nigerians.” (Nation)
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