•He’s a force to reckon with-Kalu
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye and Kemi Yesufu, Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari has described National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a digger, diligent and forthright man.
The presidential eulogies were for Tinubu as he celebrates his 64th birthday today.
The president traced Tinubu’s rising political profile to the time he was elected a senator in 1992 and attributed it to his forthrightness, diligence and doggedness, adding that it was the same qualities that has endeared him to the electorate and given him all-round success as a private sector worker, a businessman and two-term governor of Lagos State.
Buhari’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, in a statement, said Buhari who commended the Jagaban of the Borgu Kingdom in Niger State’s visionary leadership style, said as one of the pillars of the APC, he created a formidable opposition party in Nigeria that worked vigorously within a short period to oust a party that had been in power for 16 years.
The president assured Tinubu that his patriotism and commitment to democracy and good governance, and his generous spirit will always be remembered and appreciated by generations of Nigerians.
Speaker of the House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara also described Tinubu as a formidable political force who has brought changes to the political landscape of Nigeria.
Dogara said this in a press statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Turaki Hassan, to congratulate Tinubu on his birthday.
“On this joyous occasion of your birthday, we in the House of Representatives, salute you, great leader, for the milestones you have attained in Nigeria.
”Your feats are bold and exceptional; from business to governance and politics. As a governor, you made sweeping reforms that till date, your successors are still building on and making Lagos State proud.
”In politics, you have been a formidable force, helping to put together a great political party that won power at the centre in Nigeria . You have proved to be a true hero of democracy, a light that cannot be concealed!
”As you mark yet another year, my prayer for you is that God will continue to consolidate your efforts and crown them all with success,” he said.
Also, eminent businessman and former governor of Abia State , Dr. Orji Kalu congratulated Tinubu on his birthday and added that the front-line politician is a force to reckon with beyond the shores of Nigeria.
According to the businessman-cum-politician, over the years, Tinubu has remained on the side of the masses in all ramifications, adding that the large cult-like followership of the APC chieftain is clear testament of his selflessness and large heart.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Prince Kunle Oyewumi, Kalu said: “I join millions of Tinubu’s well-wishers, supporters, followers, political associates and family in celebrating an icon whose contributions to the social, economic and political development of Nigeria is commendable.
”Your doggedness, forthrightness and passion for a just society have earned you goodwill across the country regardless of political affiliations.
”During the military era, you sustained your stand as a welfarist, despite humiliation from the powers that be. You have continued to sacrifice endlessly for the sake of democracy in Nigeria.
”As you add another year, my brother and friend, I pray that God Almighty will continue to give you the strength and wisdom in the service of God and humanity”.
Kalu further said, “Asiwaju’s exemplary leadership qualities as a consummate politician and a philanthropist are worth emulating, adding that Nigeria needs bold and patriotic leaders for the country to prosper”.
While extending his greetings to the APC family, he wished the celebrator more fruitful years ahead in excellent health.
…Fayose, Amosun eulogise ex-gov
To Ekiti State governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, Tinubu is a leader and pillar in Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole.
The governor stated this in a congratulatory message to mark Tinubu’s 64th birthday.
In a press statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Idowu Adelusi in Ado-Ekiti, Fayose said the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had, over the years, proven to be a great political figure in the country.
“I heartily felicitate with Tinubu as he clocks 64 today. Whether one likes it or not, Asiwaju Tinubu has become a political pillar and leader, not only in Yorubaland, but, in Nigeria.
“He is a great politician who takes well-calculated political steps. I, and the good people of Ekiti State, join millions of Nigerians and Asiwaju Tinubu’s friends and supporters across the world to rejoice with him on this auspicious occasion.
“Asiwaju Tinubu is a good case study when one talks about political resilience and doggedness and no wonder he now ranks among the leaders of this great country.
“I pray that God gives him the grace to witness many more years in sound health in the land of the living,” he said.
His colleague in Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun described Tinubu’s life as “an eventful one dotted by numerous achievements and accomplishments.
“Nigeria has benefitted immensely from your fountain of knowledge, wealth of experience, political sagacity and leadership acumen. The remarkable impact you have made in all spheres of human endeavour remains a reference point.”
Governor Amosun also seized the occasion to pray that the Almighty Allah (SWT) will preserve Senator Tinubu for many more years, in good health.
“This is so that you can continue to make significant contributions to the overall development of our party, in particular and our nation, Nigeria in general,”Amosun said.