Tinubu, Buhari Congratulate Cardinal Onaiyekan on His 80th Birthday

•President, Ex-president mourn General Abdulsalami Abubakar’s sister

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu and former President Muhammaed Buhari have felicitated His Eminence, Emeritus Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan who marked his 80th birthday yesterday, describing the cleric as an exceptional religious leader.

Onaiyekan was the Archbishop of Abuja from 1994 to 2019, and also served as president of the Christian Association of Nigeria, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, and Bishop of Ilorin.

The President, in a statement issued yesterday, by his Media Adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, celebrated the exceptional religious leader who has used his calling not only to preach the good gospel of Jesus Christ, but also followed his example by fighting for the downtrodden and speaking out against the ills in society, yet remains unbending in the pursuit of peace and unity in Nigeria.

Tinubu thanked His Eminence for his sacrifices and efforts in peace-building in Nigeria over the years, assuring him that his hope and prayers for a glorious and united Nigeria will be made manifest.

He wished the reverred cleric more prosperous years in the Lord’s Vineyard.

On his part, Buhari in a message also issued yesterday, rejoiced with Onaiyekan on his 80th birthday describing him as a bright light in the nation’s path to democracy and development.

According to the former President, Onaiyekan was always at the forefront in serving the poor and the deprived.

He said: “I will always remember Cardinal Onaiyekan in his support and partnership to make the nation a better place especially in on the issues of social harmony, universal brotherhood and inclusive development.”

Also yesterday, Tinubu and his predecessor mourned the younger sister of former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar.

Tinubu said he received the news of the demise of the younger sister of former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, Hajiya Salamatu Asabe, with heavy heart.

The President, in a statement issued by his Media Adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, commiserated with General Abubakar, the family, and all those who mourn this painful loss.

Tinubu prayed that her family is comforted by her legacy and the beautiful memories she left behind.

“General, please accept my sympathy and condolences. My prayers are with you at this time of mourning. May Almighty Allah grant Hajiya Asabe Aljannah firdaus,” the President said.

Also, Buhari in a message said he and  his family were. “deeply saddened by the passing of the General’s sister but we are grateful to Almighty Allah for what she was to her family and her community where she did everything she could to assist those in need.

“We pray for the repose of her soul and fortitude to General Abubakar and the family to bear the loss. “