President Muhammadu Buhari has joined the governing party, All Progressives Congress (APC) and its teeming members in congratulating Asiwaju Bola Tinubu on his 69th birthday.
In a congratulatory message by his spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Sunday, Buhari also shared the joyous occasion with the former two-term Governor of Lagos State, ”whose acumen and influence continue to resonate round the country and beyond.”
The president rejoiced with the “patriot and statesman” on the 12th colloquium, an intellectual gathering to commemorate his birthday.
He noted that the colloquium had over the years turned into a veritable opportunity for discussing topical national issues, and harnessing ideas that would move the nation forward.
The president described the theme of the 12th Bola Tinubu Colloquium, “Our Common Bond, Our Common Wealth: Imperative of National Cohesion for Growth and Prosperity’’, as timely.
He believed the choice of further ”highlighting loyalty to the country and the shared vision that will bring harmony and well-being to everyone is most timely, clearly reflecting Sen. Tinubu’s patriotism and benevolence.”
According to the president, the former Lagos State governor has inspired many leaders and continues to nurture talents for the benefit of the country.
He also acknowledged Tinubu’s role in the stability of the APC, and advocating good governance.
The president also felicitated with family, friends and political associates of the astute politician, praying that God will grant him longer life, good health and more wisdom.
Also, Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday, congratulated Tinubu.
Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Gboyega Akosile, said that Tinubu remained a visionary leader and rare mentor with exceptional abilities in various areas of human endeavours.
He said that the former governor left with impeccable records in the state after setting the right template for economic growth and political stability.
According to him, the national leader of APC is a political pathfinder, nationalist and detribalised Nigerian who has contributed, in no small measure, to the socio-political and economic growth of the state and Nigeria as a whole.
He said: “Asiwaju Tinubu is a major stabilising factor for Nigeria’s current democratic dispensation.
”As a pathfinder, Asiwaju charted the developmental trajectory of modern Lagos, raising the bar of governance and public service in the state and indeed, Nigeria.
”A cheerful giver who cares about the welfare of the people, Asiwaju personifies tolerance and humanity.
”The story of Nigeria’s democracy cannot be told without the name of Jagaban Borgu written in gold. Thousands are today direct beneficiaries of his political benevolence.
”On behalf of my adorable wife, Ibijoke, the good people of Lagos and the entire members of our party, All Progressives Congress (APC), I felicitate our leader and mentor on his 69th birthday.
”As you march on to a higher pedestal in life, may the Almighty go with you every step of the way and may you accomplish more in the service of our dear country and humanity,” he said.
The Governor of Ekiti State and Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Dr Kayode Fayemi, also congratulated Tinubu.
Fayemi, in a congratulatory message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, in Ado-Ekiti, described the former Lagos Governor as a distinguished Nigerian and a leader who is courageous, reliable, dependable and passionate.
The Governor described Tinubu as a statesman with an uncommon political sagacity and generosity of spirit; two of the qualities he said made the All Progressives Congress (APC) leader stand out as one of the leading lights of progressive politics in the country.
“Asiwaju Tinubu’s ability to identify, nurture and engage talents is unequalled. His life has been a testimony of human capital development in an unrelenting struggle for a better life for the people.
“He is not only an accomplished politician, he is a statesman par excellence, a dogged fighter and a strong voice in the fight against military dictatorship and enthronement of democratic rule in the country.
“We can only wish him many more useful and productive years in service to humanity.
“I, on behalf of my wife, Bisi, the Government and good people of Ekiti State celebrate our dear Asiwaju Tinubu on his birthday and pray that God rewards his labour of love with long life in good health and unspeakable joy.”, Dr Fayemi added.
The Progressives Governors’ Forum (PGF) says it will continue to look up to Tinubu, one of the national leaders of All Progressives Congress (APC), for inspiration and guidance.
The PGF Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Bagudu, said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja to congratulate Tinubu on his 69th birthday.
PGF is the umbrella body of serving governors elected on APC platform.
“PGF joins all Nigerians to celebrate the birthday of His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; we celebrate this special occasion with Your Excellency and your entire family.
“We particularly wish to acknowledge and commend your untiring and selfless leadership and commitment to a united and prosperous Nigeria.
“We rejoice with you and will always continue to look up to you for inspiration and guidance,” Bagudu, who is also the Governor of Kebbi, said.
He acknowledged Tinubu’s contributions to the emergence and growth of APC, emerging from opposition to a governing party.
This, he noted, was through hard and very difficult negotiations which had bestowed upon the party’s leaders the responsibility of managing the country’s affairs.
Bagudu added that this was a historic achievement that past political leaders of the country were unable to achieve.
He further noted that under the leadership of Buhari, in partnership with many other leaders of the party, including Tinubu, the politics of Nigeria was passing through fundamental changes.
Bagudu said this had necessitated the institution of enduring progressive governance in the country.
“As our national leader, you certainly represent one of the inspirations for our successes.
“Congratulations and happy birthday to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the Jagaban of Bogu Kingdom,” he said.
Also, Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, felicitated Tinubu.
The monarch in a goodwill message said, “I convey my warm greetings to Asiwaju of Lagos, Senator Bola Tinubu on the occasion of his 69th birthday anniversary.
“As a statesman, politician and philanthropist, you have contributed to the social, economic and political development of Nigeria.
“This feat, I admonish you to sustain.
“It is my prayer that Allah will continue to strengthen you in the service of humanity as you mark your birthday”.
The nonaganerian monarch wished the celebrant more fulfilling years ahead in sound health.
