It’s Salutation Galore As Buhari, Govs, Others Hail Tinubu @70

BY EDMOND ODOK AND SEGUN ADEBAYO – President Muhammadu Buhari has joined the legion of eminent Nigerian personalities and political actors to salute the All Progressives Congress (APC) national leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who clocks 70 today, Tuesday, March 29, 2022.

The long list of good wishes to the former Lagos State Governor and Presidential aspirant for the 2023 general elections also include President of the Nigerian Senate, Ahmad Lawan; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila; Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Wase; and some state governors, include Lagos and Ekiti among others

In his birthday message conveyed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, and titled; “President Buhari hails Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu at 70”, the President affirmed Tinubu’s immense contributions to the political, economic and social development of the country, setting a standard in leadership, governance and philanthropy.

He saluted the APC stalwart’s “courage, resilience, selflessness and nobility in always placing the welfare and unity of the nation above self.”

According to President Buhari, these actions are backed by a vision of a greater Nigeria through investments in people, institutions, and governments, without minding tribe or creed.

The statement said President joined family members, friends, business and political associates in celebrating the septuagenarian, who has diligently and progressively risen on the nation’s political ladder since 1992, fighting for the democratic rule against many odds, angling for people-focused development and supporting visionary and purposeful leadership.

Towing President Buhari’s path, Senate President Ahmad Lawan described Tinubu as an astute administrator, who laid a solid foundation for the modernisation of Lagos State, and a visionary political leader with a track record of building people and organisations.

Senator Lawan’s message was contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Ola Awoniyi, and titled; ‘You are a leader of leaders, Senate President hails Asiwaju Tinubu @70.’

He said; “Asiwaju Tinubu has lived a life of service, impacting many lives in several decades of active political participation and public service. This has made him a political pathfinder, leader of leaders, and a legend in his own lifetime. Today, he is not just a principal actor in Nigerian politics, but also one of the main issues.

“I wish the Jagaban Borgu a happy birthday and many more years of impactful service to our beloved fatherland, Nigeria, and its great people.”

Similarly, the House of Representatives Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila hailed Asiwaju Tinubu in glowing terms, saying the Jagaban of Borgu kingdom has demonstrated “an uncommon and unyielding commitment to a progressive and prosperous Nigeria.”

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, titled ‘Gbajabiamila pays tribute to Tinubu at 70,’ the Speaker expressed delight at the former Lagos governor’s invaluable contributions to Nigeria’s democracy in the past decades.

Noting that he has unmatched credentials, Speaker Gbajabiamila said with these, Tinubu’s services to his fatherland are most needed at a time like this, even as he recalled how Tinubu used his acumen to turn things around in Lagos State during his eight years tenure as Chief Executive.

Also not left out in the glowing salutations and wishes extended to the Jagaban, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said Asiwaju Tinubu is consistent in his thoughts and actions about the development of Lagos State and Nigeria.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said in a congratulatory message by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Gboyega Akosile, that; “Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, like a colossus, bestrides Nigeria’s socio-political space with vigour and vision. He stood firmly on the side of the Nigerian people, even at the risk of losing his life and personal belongings during the dark days of the military junta.

“A position he took along with other progressives during the annulment of the June 12 struggle led to the end of the military interregnum and was replaced with normal government, which we all enjoy today.”

On his part, the Governor of Ekiti State and Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Dr Kayode Fayemi described the APC leader as “a celebrated democrat, pragmatic leader and visionary statesman who has an insatiable appetite for championing good causes in pursuit of a better Nigeria”.

Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, in a statement titled; ‘Fayemi congratulates Tinubu at 70’, Governor Fayemi noted that; “Tinubu played a pivotal role in the fight against military dictatorship, de-annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election and has continued to play significant roles in sustaining the current democratic experience in the country”.

He further described him as “a dogged fighter in the causes he believes in,” adding that the APC chieftain had, through his actions and engagements, inspired many to stand up and be counted in the areas of political participation and excellent service delivery.

For the Deputy Speaker, Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Hon Ahmed Wase the life of Asiwaju had always been full of service to humanity and uplifting the lives of others.

Wase noted in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Umar Puma, that the APC National Leader still has steam in him to serve humanity more in the coming years.

Also joining the Asiwaju Tinubu’s celebration train are members of the Lagos State House of Assembly who described him as a man that has contributed immensely to the development of society.

The lawmakers’ accolades were delivered during a special parliamentary session in honour of the APC leader to commemorate his birthday with the Speaker of the House, Mudashiru Obasa, saying that Tinubu paved the way for the increased revenue generation of Lagos State.

“This is an opportunity for us to recognise all that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has done for us as a leader. In the face of opposition, he resolved and insisted to be on the opposition leaning toward the Federal Government. It is better to celebrate people that have contributed immensely to the development of society”, Obasa said.