Buhari, governors hail Tinubu at 73
Abdullateef Fowewe
Former President Muhammadu Buhari, and Nigerian Governors Forum have joined the nation and Tinubu’s family in celebrating President Bola Tinubu 73rd birthday.
Buhari in a statement on Saturday, by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, conveyed his heartfelt birthday wishes, offering prayers for Tinubu’s long life, good health, and the continued success of his administration.
The former President expressed his family’s support and commitment to keeping the President in their prayers as he marks this special occasion.
Shehu writes, “Former President Muhammadu Buhari underscored the bond between him and the President with a call, joining the family and the nation in celebrating the birthday of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu.
“In a telephone call on Friday, the former President said he and the members of his family are in prayers for Tinubu for long life, good health and the successful administration of the country by the President, as he marks his birthday.”
Shehu quoted Buhari saying, “When we pray for our leaders, we are praying for ourselves and the nation. We owe this to ourselves and the nation.”
According to Shehu the former President said his family and himself remain indebted to Tinubu and other leaders of the party for the invaluable contributions they made towards the formation of the All Progressives Congress, APC, catapulting him to the presidency for two terms, after failed attempts in the past, and in helping to produce another APC administration with the Asiwaju himself at its head.
“No doubt, the annals of the country will not be complete without bringing into mention and without a recognition of the varied and numerous roles of President Tinubu as an entrepreneur, a party stalwart, a staunch activist, party organizer, party builder, a reliable ally and a serial winner of democratic elections. I am truly proud of my association with the Asiwaju.
“When Nigerians handed the baton of leadership to the APC in 2015, it was a mandate to lay the foundation for a new Nigeria where the poor get opportunities for a better future and I am glad that the vision is not lost. It was a victory of all those who wish the country’s good,” Buhari added.
Buhari also used the opportunity to wish the President, his family, and the nation a successful completion of the Ramadan fast and a happy and joyful Sallah.
The governors in a statement shared by the NGF’s chairman, AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq of Kwara State on Saturday, acknowledged the bold reforms and initiatives of the President in his pursuit to put the economy on a strong footing.
The statement reads, “On behalf of my brothers at the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and myself, I join the rest of the country to heartily congratulate the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on his 73rd birthday today.
“We commend Mr. President for his purposeful leadership and service to our nation and people.
“We acknowledge the bold reforms and initiatives of the President in his quest to put the economy on a strong footing.
“As subnationals, we have resolved to constructively partner with the President for the good of the nation.
“We wish H.E. President Tinubu good health, long life, more success, and God’s grace as he steers the ship of the Nigerian state to a better destination.”
