Ex-President Muhammadu Buhari and other prominent Nigerians have celebrated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his 73rd birthday, reminiscing his sterling qualities in running the affairs of the country as well as taking tough political decisions as a leader.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Garba Shehu, Buhari extended his congratulations to Tinubu on his 73rd birthday, acknowledging his successor’s impact on the nation’s history.
According to Buhari, the country’s political record would be incomplete without recognising Tinubu’s contributions. He also highlighted Tinubu’s efforts in shaping the All Progressives Congress (APC), which paved the way for Buhari’s two-term presidency.
“No doubt, the annals of the country will not be complete without bringing into mention, and a recognition of the varied and numerous roles of President Tinubu as an entrepreneur, a party stalwart, a staunch activist, party organiser, party builder, a reliable ally and a serial winner of democratic elections. I am truly proud of my association with the Asiwaju,” Buhari stated.
Reflecting on APC’s leadership, Buhari maintained that the party’s vision remains intact under Tinubu’s administration.
“When Nigerians handed the baton of leadership to the APC in 2015, it was a mandate to lay the foundation for a new Nigeria where the poor get opportunities for a better future and I am glad that the vision is not lost. It was a victory of all those who wish the country’s good,” he added.
Buhari handed power to Tinubu on May 29, 2023, after serving two terms since 2015.
‘My knight in shining armour’ – First Lady celebrates President
The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has congratulated her husband, President inubu, as he turns 73 years old, describing him as “my knight in shining armor”.
The first lady in a personal message felicitating her husband on Saturday, expressed gratitude to God for His faithfulness in the life of the president over the years.
“I rejoice and thank God Almighty for His faithfulness in your life over the years.
“I celebrate your courage, strength, and resilience that have all contributed to who we both are today.
“May you live long, in divine health, joy, peace, and prosperity.
“Happy Birthday Mr President, My Knight in Shining Armor,” the first lady said.
Jonathan Felicitates President
Former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan extended his goodwill and warm wishes to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the occasion of his 73rd birthday.
Jonathan in a birthday message he personally signed, congratulated Tinubu and acknowledged his service to the nation, especially his contributions towards restoring democracy after a long spell of military rule.
The former President stated: “I join your family and fellow compatriots in celebrating and congratulating you as you mark your birthday.
“I acknowledge your service to our dear nation, especially your role in the pro-democracy movement that led to the return of the current democratic dispensation.”
Jonathan noted that as a leader, President Tinubu has “shown remarkable dedication in making your own contributions to the development of our nation, serving as a critical opposition voice and as the Governor of Lagos State and now President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Abiodun Congratulates Tinubu
Ogun State Governor congratulated President Bola Tinubu on the occasion of his 73rd birthday, describing him as a thoughtful leader of inestimable value.
Abiodun, in a congratulatory message signed in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital said the President remains an architect of reformed Nigeria, with exemplary courage and selflessness to change the old order and transform Nigeria to an enviable height.
He added that Tinubu, through strong conviction and unassailable determination has achieved what many of his predecessors could not achieve for decades, noting that the President deserves accolades from all Nigerians.
Prince Abiodun, therefore wished President Tinubu more fulfilled years ahead in sound health and functional mind to maximally achieve his renewed hope agenda.
President remains a leading light across Africa as a strong proponent of democratic ethos and good governance.
Gov Mbah Salutes Tinubu
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah congratulated President Bola Tinubu on his 73rd birthday.
Mbah saluted the president’s devotion to service and building brotherly understanding among the various sections of the nation.
In a birthday message to Tinubu, the governor stated, “On behalf of the Government and the good people of Enugu State, this is wishing you a happy 73rd birthday.
“Yours has been a life devoted to service and nurturing a deeper understanding and sense of brotherhood amongst Nigerians. These are enduring values and the hallmarks of true statesmanship.
“We wish you many more years in good health and joy. We also pray God to order your steps and grant you His uncommon grace as you guide our nation through these challenging times to a prosperous and surer future.”
Shettima Canvasses Prayers for Nigeria, Tinubu
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday called on Nigerians to continue to pray for the leadership of President Tinubu and peace, stability and progress in Nigeria.
Specifically, the Vice President sought prayers for God to continue to give the President wisdom and strength to pilot the affairs of the country towards peace, unity and prosperity.
Shettima who made the call during the closing ceremony of Tafsir (reading of the Quran) for the month of Ramadan in the State House Mosque in Abuja, noted that prayer remains the fortress of the believer, the sanctuary where hopes are nurtured and destinies are shaped.
He said: “It is our greatest weapon against despair and the most powerful armour for those entrusted with leadership. In this spirit, I urge us all to continue praying for our beloved nation and the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
“May Almighty Allah grant him the wisdom, strength, and resolve to continue steering the ship of our great nation towards peace, unity, and prosperity. May He protect him from harm, fortify his heart with courage, and guide his every effort in service to the Nigerian people”.
The Vice President reminded the gathering that governance is a collective responsibility of all, and not the burden of the government alone, maintaining that “our religious leaders, whose voices echo the moral conscience of our society, play an indispensable role in shaping our values and guiding our hearts.
Akpabio: President’s Passion for Nigeria, Contagious
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, congratulated Tinubu, on the occasion of his 73rd birthday.
Akpabio, in a congratulatory message personally signed by him, described Tinubu’s passion for Nigeria’s progress as contagious.
He added that his vision and dedication to Nigeria are inspiring.
“Today marks a significant milestone in your life, and I am honoured to celebrate with you. Your leadership, vision and dedication to our great nation are truly inspiring.
“As Senate President, I have had the privilege of working closely with you, and I must say that your passion for Nigeria’s progress is contagious.
“I must confess that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is one of the greatest and audacious leaders Nigeria has produced. In your 73 years on earth, you have pursued a political career marked by a strong commitment to progressive democratic principles and the uncanny courage in tackling authoritarian regimes.
“As the President of Nigeria in the last two years, you have demonstrated astute leadership and as you advocate for democratic values and bold economic reforms that have started to yield dividends,” he added.
Mutfwang Felicitates Tinubu
Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang has extended warm felicitations to Tinubu on the occasion of his 73rd birthday.
In a message, the Governor described him as a visionary leader whose unwavering commitment and foresight are shaping Nigeria’s path toward progress and prosperity. He lauded the President’s courage and resilience in confronting national challenges, fostering peace, unity, and strengthening national cohesion.
“It is with immense joy and deep admiration that I join millions of Nigerians and well-wishers across the globe in celebrating a statesman par excellence, a symbol of unity, and a towering figure in governance, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR on this remarkable occasion of your 73rd birthday,” the Governor stated.
He further commended Tinubu’s steadfast dedication to restoring peace and stability across the nation, particularly in Plateau State, which is steadily reclaiming its reputation as the Home of Peace and Tourism.
He noted that the President’s tireless commitment to addressing governance challenges, fortifying national security, and mitigating economic hardships continued to inspire hope and resilience among Nigerians.
Deputy Senate President Eulogises Tinubu
Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau, eulogised President Bola Tinubu on his 73rd birthday, describing him as a visionary leader.
Barau, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, said the President was working tirelessly to address the country’s challenges.
He said Tinubu has demonstrated a life of dedicated service as one of the foremost advocates in the struggle for the attainment and entrenchment of democracy in the country.
He added, “In the past 22 months of President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria is being repositioned for the benefit of both present and future generations.
“His initiatives are already bearing fruit, as evidenced by the continuous decrease in food prices, exchange rate stabilisation and improved security.”
Barau, who is also the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, urged all the citizens to continue to pray for the country and to offer their full support to President Tinubu as he works tirelessly to ensure a better life for all citizens.
Keyamo: It Will Take Decades for Nigerians to Appreciate Value Tinubu Brought to Nigeria’s Democratic Space
Minister of Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in his birthday message on Friday, wrote: “From an insider perspective, I dare say it will take decades before Nigerians truly and fully understand and appreciate the value President Bola Tinubu has brought into our democratic space in all ramifications and the audacity with which he has taken on some of our key systemic challenges as a nation, root and branch.
“Doubtless, in post-colonial Nigeria, he has been a master at fostering progressive coalitions for the ultimate advancement of democracy. Firstly, he played a very pivotal role in the formation and sustenance of NADECO to oust the Military and restore democratic governance in Nigeria.
“Little wonder that when democracy returned in 1999, there was a broad consensus in the progressive family in Lagos that he was the fit and proper person to be Governor of Lagos State. “
He recounted the feats achieved by Tinubu as Lagos State Governor as well as efforts leading to the formation of the APC.
“Now, we are clearly headed in the right direction as a country as developments in different sectors will be rapid in the few years to come because of the rise in our liquidity. Our macro-economic indicators are looking up, and these will eventually impact positively on jobs and ultimately ensure the revival and stability of the middle class. Lest I get carried away, this is just a birthday tribute. There will be another day or the campaign season for us to answer the hard questions,” he added.
