President Muhammadu Buhari has joined members, leaders and chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in rejoicing with National Leader of the party and former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as he marks his 70th birthday today.
The development came just as Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his Ekiti State counterpart, Dr Kayode Fayemi, have felicitated with Tinubu over his 70th birthday celebration.
Buhari also acknowledged the contributions of Tinubu to the political, economic and social development of the country, setting a standard in leadership, governance and philanthropy.
A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, also stated that, “As the former Governor of Lagos State turns 70, the President notes and salutes his courage, resilience, selflessness and nobility in always placing the welfare and unity of the nation above self, backed with vision of a greater Nigeria through investments in people, institutions and governments, without minding tribe or creed.
“President Buhari joins 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 democratic rule against many odds, angling for people-focused development and supporting visionary and purposeful leadership.
“The President prays that the Almighty God will increase Asiwaju Tinubu, the Jagaban of Borgu Kingdom, in strength, good health and wisdom to keep serving the nation, and humanity.”
Sanwo-Olu felicitates with Tinubu
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has congratulated the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on his 70th birthday.
Sanwo-Olu also described Asiwaju Tinubu as “visionary, consistent, loyal, enigmatic and master strategist” whose democratic credentials are scholarly materials for study in political economy.
Asiwaju Tinubu, a leading presidential aspirant in the APC and first Governor of Lagos State in the present Fourth Republic clocks 70 today.
Governor Sanwo-Olu in a congratulatory message issued on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, said Asiwaju Tinubu is very consistent in his thoughts and actions about the development of Lagos State and Nigeria.
He said Tinubu has donated the greater part of his adult life for service to humanity as well as Lagos State and Nigeria, considering his contribution to democracy and good governance, especially the role he played during the aborted Third Republic and the struggle for the enthronement of democratic government after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
Sanwo-Olu said: “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.
“With the return to democracy, Asiwaju displayed political astuteness, courage and sagacity to save Nigeria from degenerating into a one-party state.
“His financial wizardry and economic intellect, which he put to good use as the Governor of Lagos State, has 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.
“There are not many leaders in contemporary Nigeria that are as detribalised as Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose heart accommodates every section of the country.
“On behalf of my darling wife, Ibijoke and the good people of Lagos State, as well as leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress, I wish our National Leader a happy birthday, long life, and sound health for him to continue his service to Nigeria,” Governor Sanwo-Olu added.
Fayemi congratulates Tinubu
Meanwhile, Ekiti State Governor and Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has congratulated former Lagos State Governor and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his 70th birthday.
Fayemi said God has been very kind to Asiwaju Tinubu for attaining the landmark age in good health and sound mind.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, Fayemi described Asiwaju Tinubu as a celebrated democrat, pragmatic leader, and visionary statesman who has an insatiable appetite for championing good causes in pursuit of a better Nigeria.
The Governor noted that Asiwaju 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.
Describing Asiwaju Tinubu as a dogged fighter in the causes he believes in, Fayemi said the former Lagos Governor had, through his actions and engagements, inspired many to stand up and be counted in the areas of political participation and excellent service delivery.
The Ekiti Governor, who also described Asiwaju Tinubu as a pathfinder for a modern Lagos State said his legacies in the nation’s Centre of Excellence have been acknowledged as a template for good governance in Nigeria.
Fayemi prayed God to grant Asiwaju Tinubu long life and good health for more selfless service to the nation and humanity at large.
He said, “For Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, its been 70 years of immeasurable grace and remarkable service to humanity. He deserves all the celebration and accolades as he joins the exclusive club of Septuagenarians.
” On behalf of my wife Bisi, the Government and good people of Ekiti State, I wish our leader a happy birthday and pray that the Almighty God grant him many more years in good health to continue to contribute to nation building.”
