Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Adegboyega Oyetola (Osun), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe) and Dapo Abiodun (Ogun) have congratulated the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on Monday’s celebration of his 69th birthday.
The ruling party, its governors and its United Kingdom (UK) branch as well as eminent Nigerians also eulogised the frontline politician for his contributions to democracy and its growth in the country.
Sanwo-Olu, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, described Asiwaju Tinubu as a visionary leader and rare mentor with exceptional abilities.
“Asiwaju Tinubu is a major stabilising factor in Nigeria’s current democratic dispensation. As a pathfinder, Tinubu charted the developmental trajectory of modern Lagos, raising the bar of governance and public service in the state and indeed, Nigeria,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Oyetola, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipidan, said: “I thank you for being to all of us in all spheres a phenomenal leader, to our great party, an outstanding model to the emerging leaders of this great nation, a lesson in patriotism, tenacity, service and resilience, a proud and illustrious Omoluabi of no mean stature, a beacon of hope to our teeming youths and leaders of tomorrow, a good husband to your wife, a great father to your children.”
Dr. Fayemi, who is also the Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), described Asiwaju Tinubu as a selfless leader whose penchant and knack for identifying and nurturing political leaders to stardom remains legendary.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, the governor said: “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 also 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.”
Abiodun, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, stressed that Asiwaju Tinubu is an exemplar, icon of democracy and true elder statesman.
“Like the phoenix, you are un-cowed as the undisputable vanguard of progressive politics, irrepressible statesman and an icon whose unconditional service and time-tested leadership inspire hope in us.
“For your exceptional skills at political engineering, altruistic leadership and unwavering commitment to ethical democracy, we are very proud of you and would continue to cherish your heritage of responsible statesmanship,” he said.
Akeredolu described Asiwaju Tinubu as a leader who hunts for talents and leaders.
In a statement yesterday in Akure, the state capital, by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olabode, the governor said: “Asiwaju Tinubu still stands tall, desirous to offer more for the gains of the people of this country.
“Undoubtedly, Jagaban remains a leader of leaders and a political colossus providing ladder of choices for promising leaders to grow and enrich national growth. His selfless service to the nation and his doggedness and exemplary leadership are worthy of celebrating at a time like this.”
Yahaya noted that Asiwaju Tinubu remains a rare political breed.
In a goodwill message, the governor rated Asiwaju Tinubu as a “true democrat, a rare breed and large-hearted politician who has sacrificed a lot for Nigeria”.
In the statement by the state’s Director General (Press Affairs), Ismaila Uba Misilli, Governor Yahaya showered encomiums on the APC National Leader for his bridge-building and humanitarian disposition, his dogged commitment to the success of APC and President Buhari’s administration as well as the unity and invisibility of the country.
House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Ahmed Idris Wase noted that Asiwaju Tinubu has “exhibited uncommon wisdom, remarkable vision, and exemplary leadership in stabilising our party, the APC in your capacity as our National Leader”.
Youth and Sports Development Minister Sunday Dare described the APC stalwart as a builder of men and mobiliser of resources.
“You stand tall amongst the political crowd. You have made immense personal sacrifices for the enthronement of democracy our country today, working with others.
“Your political astuteness, patriotism, uncommon leadership qualities and service to Lagos State, Nigeria and humanity is simply unrivalled. Indeed, a higher calling beckons,” he said.
Also, the Southern Senators’ Forum, through its Chairman, Opeyemi Bamidele, said: “What has always been the strong points of Senator Tinubu are his belief in one Nigeria, robust alignment with masses-oriented leadership, unbridled and boundless philanthropism and abhorrence for do-or-die politics that has got its root deep down in Nigeria.
“We pray that the good Lord shall grant him good health and long life as he joins other progressive entities to build a nation where hunger, poverty, banditry, kidnapping and other socio economic ills can’t find their ways.”
The APC described Asiwaju Tinubu as a true democrat, a man of excellence and a great leader, who dedicates his life to the service of humanity.
In a goodwill message by the Chairman of its Caretaker/Extra-Ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) and Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, the ruling party said it is celebrating “a man of excellence, a true democrat and a great leader, the Jagaban of Borgu, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu”.
It added: “Asiwaju Tinubu has no doubt dedicated his life to the service of humanity, promotion of good governance, growth and development of democracy in Nigeria.
“As a leader, Asiwaju Tinubu is passionate about the future of the people; as a developmental democrat, he is a proponent of due process and rule of law. His humble and humane disposition made him a great philanthropist. The APC family is so proud of Asiwaju Tinubu’s many achievements.”
APC governors described the celebrator as an inspiration for the successes the party has recorded so far.
In a congratulatory message by the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) and Kebbi State Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, the governors elected on the platform of the party acknowledged the untiring, selfless leadership and commitment of Asiwaju Tinubu to a united prosperous Nigeria.
APC UK, in a statement on Sunday in Abuja by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Jacob Ogunseye, quoted the chapter’s leader, Mr. Ade Omole, as saying that Asiwaju Tinubu remains an exceptional and extraordinary person whose doggedness and tenacity have reshaped the county’s political space in the last few decades.
Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, said: “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 Nation)
