From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, as he turns 50 years. 

The President extolled Dogara’s humility, simplicity and discipline in providing exceptional leadership for the lower house for over two years “by diligently bridging the gaps and creating a harmonious atmosphere for debates and exchange of ideas for national development.”

In a statement by his Special Adviser to on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, Buhari affirmed that the Speaker’s personal attributes of selflessness, maturity and friendliness have substantially eased the relationship between the Executive and the Legislative arm, resulting in the passage of bills that directly impact the livelihood of Nigerians.

The President recalled his personal interactions with Dogara, and having followed his political trajectory in the House of Representatives expressed the belief that Nigeria’s future can only be secured with great leadership by younger citizens, who are fired with the zeal to build one great nation that everyone can call a home.

He joined the National Assembly, the Nigerian Bar Association, friends and family of the erudite and charismatic leader “in celebrating the years of remarkable achievements and awards that have culminated into this golden jubilee.”

President Buhari prayed that the almighty God will grant the Speaker longer life, good health and wisdom to serve the country and humanity.

Also, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has described the  Dogara, as one who stands by his word.

Osinbajo, who was guest at the thanksgiving service to mark the Speaker’s birthday at the Living Faith Church Goshen city, Nasarawa State, yesterday, said he had always known Dogara as an exceptional person in what he called “this funny world of politics.”

“I’ve always known that the Speaker is an exceptional person in this funny world of politics. As you can imagine, politics is not a picnic, but there are people who stand by their word.

“I heard that the Speaker is a Christian. I didn’t even know his antecedents, but I recognised there was something distinct and special about him. 

“I think by just hearing the stories and various testimonies of his life, it was evident he is a good Christian. I have always said if you are a Christian, we must know your salvation experience; we must know your story. If you don’t have a salvation experience, you must go get one, but when you know a man or a woman’s salvation experience, then you know where he is coming from, and you will understand why he is who he is today. 

“I am really grateful to God for today, and I am going to get the book (unveiled about the Speaker). I am going to tell my son the story because I always tell him stories, especially about greatness and great people. I have always underscored to him that there is something important about redemption and greatness.”

The vice president expressed happiness with the sermon of the day, which dwelt on redemption and greatness and the emphasis on living a life of service.

He said: “I was so pleased today when I heard Pastor Abioye talk about the relationship between redemption and greatness – the understanding that our lives really must be about service, because the one who saved us died for us and served us till the end.

“So, I’m really so excited to be here and to celebrate with my brother because I have been greatly enriched today and greatly encouraged in my Christian faith. And I want to just bless the name of the Lord for you, your wife and children.

“I pray, just like the scriptures says, “the path of the just is like a shining light and it will shine brighter and brighter until that perfect day,” that your light will shine brighter until that perfect day in the mighty name of Jesus.

“Your family, who you see today, you will continue to see and you will have pride and joy in them every day. All your children will be greater than you, and all that you desire, the Lord God Almighty will bring to pass in Jesus name.”