Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar led other eminent Nigerians in pouring encomiums on the National Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on yesterday’s celebration of his 69th birthday.
In a tweet yesterday, he wrote: “Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and I have come a long way in the common mission to restore and promote democracy in Nigeria.
“On this special occasion of your birthday, I pray to the Almighty Allah to grant you long life and more vigour to keep the march on in the quest for good governance and a better life for our people. Congratulations, dear friend and brother.”
Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi, in a statement in Abuja, said: “I recall vividly your determination and contributions, working with many others in putting our party together during those early days of party formation and the many challenges that come with putting a political party together.
“We appreciate you and share in your joy and celebration today as we wish you many more years of happiness and good health.”
Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello described Asiwaju Tinubu as a rare political leader and an epitome of wisdom.
In a special birthday message to the former Lagos State governor through his Chief Press Secretary, Muhammed Onogwu, the Kogi State governor said Asiwaju Tinubu has made extraordinary memories, raised leaders and woven his own unique story into the Nigerian narrative.
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq described former Lagos State governor as a “patriot, statesman, and consummate political strategist” with towering achievements.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Solomon Adeola, in a statement in Abuja by his media aide, Kayode Odunaro, also described Asiwaju Tinubu as his political father and a role model to many politicians of the progressive hue.
To former Senate Leader and current Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content, Teslim Folarin, Asiwaju Tinubu is a phenomenal and legendary leader who has continuously produced exemplary leaders across Nigeria and even beyond.
To the celebrator, Chairman of House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora, Tolulope Akande-Sadipe (APC Oluyole), said: “Over the years, you have birthed leaders. Your grooming is incomparable and your contributions to national development too numerous to count. You have served the public with great honour.”
Former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel said: “All your life’s journeys have been dotted with achievements and successes; signs that God has been there and sufficient for you…
“Looking back, I share in your joy on a very strong conviction that you have more reasons to thank your Maker. Which of His favours can you deny? Surely none!
“God gave you a life, a family, a home, honour, fame, fortunes and fortitudes and several sufficient reasons to be thankful and celebrate.”
The Northern Governors’ Forum (NGF), through its Chairman and Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong described Asiwaju Tinubu as an accomplished politician and seasoned administrator whose strides in the nation’s socio-political landscape have remained outstanding.
Oyo State APC Chairman, Chief Akin Oke, said: “Our national leader has paid his dues accordingly and adequately to the entrenchment and development of democracy in Nigeria.
“There is no state that he hasn’t touched politically. Tinubu is a leader of leaders, a manager of humans and a seasoned administrator.”
House of Representatives member representing Atisbo/Saki East/Saki West of Oyo State, Olajide Olatubosun, said: “Our leader laid a very solid foundation for development of infrastructure in Lagos State and beyond.
“He is a leader who is able to identify quality anywhere they are and he makes judicious use of them accordingly, an absolute visionary and focus-driven leader.”
APC chieftain and former governorship candidate in Imo State, Uche Nwosu, described Asiwaju Tinubu as a unique politician who has made uncommon marks in life and politics.
Lagos monarchs in Ikorodu axis, under the umbrella of the Council of Ijebu Traditional Rulers of Lagos State, showered encomiums on the celebrator during their monthly meeting on Sunday at the palace of the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali.
The Chairman of the council, Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi, described Asiwaju Tinubu as a detribalised, strategic thinker, an exceptional manager of resources, a quintessential and visionary leader, who should be celebrated.
Oba Shotobi, who is the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, said the APC National Leader has done well for Lagos State and should be supported in his political aspiration.
The monarchs cut a cake to mark the former governor’s birthday.
Raising their irukere, the council members affirmed their support for Asiwaju Tinubu to run for any political office in the land.
They promised to give him their maximum support to realise his political ambitions.
Famous musician, K1, supported the monarchs’ line of action.
A former Lagos State commissioner, Dr. Tola Kasali, noted that as spiritual leaders, the traditional rulers had probably seen something the politicians had not perceived.
Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa praised the monarchs for supporting Asiwaju Tinubu to run for the presidency 2023.
He said the issue should have come from the politicians but that the traditional rulers had taken it from them.
