Jagaban @ 69: Buhari, Atiku, Others Shower Encomiums On Tinubu

Warm wishes have continued to pour in from political associates and friends in felicitation with the former Lagos Governor, Bola Tinubu, on his 69th birthday on Monday.

A statement from the Presidency by Femi Adesina said, “President Muhammadu Buhari joins the governing party, All Progressives Congress (APC) and its teeming members in congratulating Asiwaju Bola Tinubu on his 69th birthday, March 29, 2021, sharing the joyous occasion with the former two-term governor of Lagos state, whose acumen and influence continue to resonate round the country and beyond.”

Also congratulating Mr Tinubu on his birthday, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said, “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.”

Senate President Ahmad Lawan, while congratulating the APC chieftain, commended his longevity in politics.

“Asiwaju Tinubu has been unwavering in his commitment to the unity of Nigeria and his belief in its destiny as a great nation with a happy and prosperous people, despite the current challenges of nation-building,” he added.

Similarly, the Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, described Mr Tinubu as a politician who has written his “name in gold.”

Governor Kayode Fayemi, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, congratulated Mr Tinubu and praised his “towering accomplishments” as a senator and governor.

Also, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, an apparent beneficiary of Mr Tinubu’s unwieldy influence in Lagos, wished his benefactor well.

“As a pathfinder, Asiwaju charted the development trajectory of modern Lagos, raising the bar of governance and public service in Nigeria,” said Mr Sanwo-Olu.

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger described Mr Tinubu as “an incredible leader with a large heart who has continued to be a major player in Nigerian politics through your broad-minded and exemplary leadership style.”

In addition, Gbenga Daniel, a former Ogun governor, in a statement, eulogised Mr Tinubu.

“God gave you life, a family, a home, honour, fame, fortunes, and fortitudes. Several sufficient reasons to be thankful and celebrate,” said Mr Daniel.

One of Mr Tinubu’s proteges, Femi Gbajabiamila, also poured enconmium on the celebrant.

“The Jagaban of Borgu kingdom means many positive things to different people. To some, he is an emancipator; to others, he is a great philanthropist. Yet, to some people, Asiwaju is a rallying point, a unifying pillar,” said the speaker of the House of Representatives.

Festus Keyamo, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, considered Mr Tinubu as the “last man standing” during the years the Peoples Democratic Party held sway.