Buhari, Tinubu, Fayemi greet ‘living legend’ Akande at 80

President Muhammadu Buhari has joined all members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in greeting the first Interim Chairman of the party and former Governor of Osun State, Chief Adebisi  Akande, on his 80th birthday.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Tuesday, Buhari congratulated Akande, his family and friends for the laudable achievements over the years.
The president noted that Akande’s achievements had thrown him into the limelight at an early age, particularly highlighting his sacrifices in public service at both state and national levels.
As the first Interim Chairman of the APC, Buhari affirmed that the former governor’s pivotal and visionary leadership prepared the party for history in 2015, which saw it unseating an incumbent president for the first time in an election in Nigeria.
He, therefore, extolled Akande’s loyalty and faithfulness to the party and the cause of building a strong and unified nation.
According to him, Akande consistently challenges governments and leaders to higher ideals, and reminds them to think out of the box in meeting the needs of the poor and vulnerable.
The President believed that the octogenarian’s good-nature, large heart and broad outlook on issues had impacted positively on party politics and democracy in Nigeria.
He prayed that almighty God would grant Chief Akande longer life, strength and wisdom to serve more.
Meanwhile, APC National Leader, Senator Bola Tinubu, says the party might not have recorded quick success without Akande.
In a tribute to congratulate Akande as he clocks 80, Tinubu, also the Co-Chair of the party’s Presidential Campaign Council, said Akande was a founding father of the APC and its unprecedented electoral victory in 2015.
Tinubu, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Tunde Rahman, said that Akande was one of the few surviving true associates of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Bola Ige.
According to him, like Awolowo and Ige, Akande devoted his public life to the ideals and practices that can engender a truly democratic and egalitarian society.
”He is a founding father of the APC and its unprecedented electoral victory in 2015.
”As the interim chairman of the party, he showed extraordinary adeptness and patience in bridging differences and moulding our new party into a progressive force.
”Without him, the APC might never have come into existence and it certainly would not have experienced the quick success it encountered.
”He helped lay a solid foundation for the party and did so selflessly and with impartiality and a good word towards all.
”Baba is a highly perspective and thoughtful leader. He has proved invaluable in serving humanity and his fatherland,” he said.
Tinubu described Akande as a principled leader, who possessed profound judgment and a sage’s wisdom as well as a compassionate human being and an example of decorum in any circumstance.
”This high principled leader, Bisi Akande, stood as a father figure and mentor to many younger politicians across the country, particularly in the South-West.
”Because of his traits as an exemplary leader and mentor, many call him “Baba Omo Keekeke”, meaning the political father of the younger ones who come after him.
”He has shown that one can be successful in politics by being kind to all and making concern for the common person and for a just society one’s guiding vision.
”He is one of the most humane persons you could meet. To meet him is to like him. To know him is to admire Chief Akande and to be thankful that he is your friend and ally,” he said.
Tinubu said that Akande gave his best and served his Ila-Orangun hometown, his state, the Yoruba race and the country with commitment and dedication.
”He was a stalwart progressive regarding his objections, and proved to have an expert and diligent hand in terms of his administration of the machinery of governance.
”He was unwavering in pursuing what he believed was good and desirable for the state.
”He governed with a dignity that is rarely found. Yet, he would not flinch from doing what was right even if strong force was arrayed against him,” he said.
Also, Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has felicitated with Akande on his birthday, describing him as a living legend and a perfect example of talent and hard work.
Fayemi, in a personally-signed congratulatory letter to Akande, said he considered it a great privilege for him to work and walk with the former APC Interim National Chairman, whom he described as a man of integrity.
He described Akande as a pride and leading light of the progressive school of thought “a true, committed, passionate and loyal Awoist deserving of all admiration”.
The governor said: “I celebrate you today as always because you have been a great boss and a wonderful mentor. I will forever cherish the chance of working and walking with you to make life more meaningful for our people. Thank God for giving me this priceless opportunity and thank you for being there to nurture me with your infectious patience and humility.
“You are a living legend, the youngest and most active 80-year old man that I have known. You definitely wear 80 years well. I can only hope and pray that I retain the level of mental acuity you exhibit when I turn 80.
“On behalf of the government and the good people of Ekiti State, I join your well wishers and mentees to celebrate you today and wish you all the good things this milestone offers. Above all, I wish you good health, undiluted joy and perfect bliss. ” he added.