Tinubu, Jonathan, Barau, APC Celebrate Buhari at 81

*President says he’s Nigeria’s icon of integrity, patriotism

Deji Elumoye, Sunday Aborisade and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has celebrated former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as an icon of truth, justice, and patriotism, on the occasion of his 81st birthday.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has also felicitated the ex-president, wishing him a long life in good health.
This is as the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have extolled the virtues of the former president at 81.
Tinubu, in a statement issued yesterday by his Media Adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, extolled what he also described as the peerless leadership credentials and feats of the former president, recalling his meritorious service to the nation at various times as Head of State and as President.

Tinubu reeled out former President Buhari’s unparalleled record of infrastructural provisions to include, several new international airports, multiple standard-gauge railway lines, new seaport development, dozens of new dams, power stations, oil and gas infrastructure, expressways and mega-bridges.

He also added that the former president established Nigeria’s first-ever national social investment and protection programme, among many other feats.
 President Tinubu fondly recalled the former President’s aggressive push to modernise Nigeria’s defence architecture while working towards import substitution with the empowerment of millions of Nigerian farmers in his progressive initiative to enhance food security in the country.

The President described former President Buhari as the finest paradigm of sacrifice, devotion, patriotism, and fidelity to the national cause.
According to him: “President Buhari is from the rarest phylum of virtuous servant-leaders. He has devoted his life to the service of the nation, even earning himself detention for his patriotism and service to our Fatherland. The emergence of leaders like my good friend, Buhari, happens only by divine orchestration. He is a man of absolute and undiluted integrity. His yea is yea, and his nay is nay”.

President Tinubu appreciated Buhari for his friendship and vote of confidence shown through his stalwart support for the administration.
While wishing the elder statesman longevity and strength, the President assured the former President that the hope of a prosperous, peaceful, and progressive Nigeria, which he has always worked for, will not be dashed.

In a goodwill message, which former President Jonathan personally signed, he commended Buhari for his service and commitment to the progress of the nation.
According to the message, which was released to journalists by his spokesman, Ikechukwu Eze, the former president said: “I am pleased to join your family, friends, well-wishers and other Nigerians to congratulate you on the occasion of your 81st birthday.

“You are a determined leader who has been resolute in national service and commitment to the progress of our country.
“As you celebrate, I salute you for your faithful stewardship to Nigeria. On behalf of my family, I wish you good health, peace and joy.”
On his part, the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, described Buhari as an untiring promoter of peace and unity in the country.

The Deputy Senate President, while extending warm birthday wishes to the former president, said he remains one of Nigeria’s distinguished leaders.
He said: “From his military to political career, the former president had a clear vision for Nigeria – the unity and progress of the country.
“Throughout his eight-year tenure, former President Buhari intensified efforts and worked towards addressing the security challenges, revival of the economy and promotion of good governance. This, he said, endeared him to the masses across the country,” he said.

Also, the ruling APC in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said Buhari is legendary for his unparalleled integrity, incorruptibility and uncanny dedication to nation-building.

It said it celebrated a visionary leader, elder statesman, patriot and democrat.

Morka said: “As two-term president, your administration did a commendable job of cleaning the Augean stable and laying an enduring foundation for the development and greatness of our dear country.

“We are confident that the Renewed Hope agenda of the current APC-led administration will consolidate on the legacies of your administration.”