From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja, Obinna Odogwu, Abakaliki, George Onyejiuwa, Owerri and Rose Ejembi, Makurdi
President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed happiness with his improved health and thanked Nigerians for their fervent prayers, after Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, his service chiefs, aides and grand daughter presented him with birthday gifts at the Presidential Villa, yesterday.
It was on the occasion of the president’s 75th birthday, yesterday.
Buhari’s Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari and the Permanent Secretary, State House, Jalal Arabia, led presidential aides to present a giant birthday card to him.
The green-and-white card had Buhari’s photograph embossed in front, with the inscription “Happy Birthday, Mr. President.”
After Kyari presented the card, which had earlier been signed by the aides, the president took group photographs with them while they sang birthday songs.
Those who joined Kyari included Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina; Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu; Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs, Abba Sarki; Personal Assistant to the President, Tunde Sabiu; the president’s Personal photographer, Bayo Omoboriowo and the president’s security aides.
Also present were service chiefs, led by Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin, who wished the president a happy birthday anniversary.
Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai; Chief of Naval Staff, I.E. Ibas and the Chief of Air Staff, Sadique Abubakar, accompanied the CDS.
Amosun, also presented Buhari with a green-white-green giant card.
“A leader for all seasons @75. President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR” was written boldly on Amosun’s card cover, alongside the president’s portrait.
Buhari’s grand children also joined to celebrate with him.
One of them, his grand daughter, presented him with a small card with the inscription: “We love you grandad. Love from Baby See & Ayush.”
The South East Governors Forum (SEGF) also congratulated president Buhari.
The forum described Buhari as a catalyst for Nigeria’s development.
SEGF chairman, Chief David Umahi, who is also Ebonyi State governor, in a statement by an aide, yesterday, also thanked God for granting the president good health which, according to him, has enabled him steer the ship of Nigeria, effectively.
Umahi, who signed the statement on behalf of South East governors, further eulogised Buhari on his policies and programmes, of which he said the anti-corruption crusade forms a greater pillar and prayed God to continue to sustain the president in sound health; to pilot the affairs of the country.
Umahi further called for prayers for the president, “for further direction as he navigates the ship of the country through very turbulent waters of which socio-political, economic and regional agitations form the greatest threats.”
From Imo State, Governor Rochas Okorocha described Buhari as “the man God used to save the country from total collapse because, at the time Buhari became president, the country was on the verge of being grounded, unknown to some people.”
Okorocha thanked God for his grace upon Nigeria and made overt references to Buhari’s 2019 aspiration.
“In 2019, the votes the president will get for his second tenure will be two times more than the votes he got in 2015 because most Nigerians have come to appreciate the necessity of his coming and what he is doing with the office,” said Okorocha.
His counterpart from Benue State, Governor Samuel Ortom acknowledged the giant strides taken by president Buhari “to pull the country out of recession” and expressed confidence that the president will do more for Nigerians, in the months and years to come.”
In a message of felicitations to the president, on behalf of the government and the good people of Benue State, Ortom described president Buhari as “a selfless leader who’s commitment to the fight against corruption has restored Nigeria’s place as a respected nation among other countries of the world.”
The governor urged all Nigerians to support Buhari “by embracing the policies of the present administration, believing that the economy will continue to improve.”
On his part, Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, described Buhari’s leadership style as ‘exemplary.’
In his commendation of Buhari’s dedication to the cause of the common man, Obaseki said: “…We are inspired by your exemplary leadership, dedication to the cause of the common man and relentless commitment to restoring the country to greatness.
He further said that the perception of Nigeria by the international community is fast changing for the better, as many countries now believe that our problems as a country are not beyond us.
“We pray and wish you excellent health, divine grace, boundless fulfilment and happiness to celebrate many more years ahead. Edo state and her people wish you happy birthday, long life, prosperity and many more years of active service.”
Buhari’s party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), on its official handle; @APCNigeria, also wished the president well and called on Nigerians to wish him a warm celebration.