Ahead of his 80th birthday tomorrow, many political leaders have been congratulating President Muhammadu Buhari and eulogising him for his service to the nation.
They included the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege; and Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
In a statement by his Media Office signed by Mr Tunde Rahman, Tinubu hailed the President for his commitment to nation-building and long years of patriotic service to the country.
The APC presidential candidate, who described President Buhari as “a patriot, selfless and steadfast leader of uncommon zeal”, noted that he enlisted himself into the service of the country as a teenager who joined the military immediately after secondary school.
Tinubu said that at 80, President Buhari can look back and be proud of his unblemished record of service to the nation throughout his military career as a soldier, platoon commander, General Officer Commanding, military governor, Federal Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Resources, Head of State, Chairman of Petroleum Trust Fund and as the current leader of the country.
“I heartily congratulate my president and my leader, Muhammadu Buhari, on the momentous and remarkable occasion of his 80th birthday.
“An officer and a gentleman, President Buhari has been a selfless and steadfast leader, and a patriot with uncommon zeal who has dedicated almost his entire life to the service of Nigeria.
“Our country is lucky to have this great man and dedicated public servant at this time. President Buhari has led an extraordinary life of service to Nigeria at every duty post with unassailable integrity. History will be kind to him and record his contributions to the progress, unity and stability of Nigeria in volumes.
“As a people, we are truly blessed to have a president who sees no higher honour than the opportunity to serve his people, a responsibility he has always carried with utmost dedication.
“We are proud that at age 80, this noble man, an officer and a gentleman is still rendering his service, recording tremendous achievements, the country making remarkable progress under his leadership, and his steady hands gradually guiding the country to the Promised Land.
“On behalf of our great party, APC, and my family, I join the family, friends, associates and all well-wishers of President Buhari to wish him happy birthday and many happy returns of the day in good health”.
In a congratulatory message personally signed by Omo-Agege, the Delta Central lawmaker extolled the President’s contribution to our national growth and development.
He said that President Buhari would continue to remain a reference point in Nigerian politics because of his selfless and humane nature, stressing that the current administration is committed to finishing strong.
“Mr President, your purposeful leadership, anti-corruption stance, commitment to the cause of the masses, personal integrity and commitment to people-oriented policies and programmes have endeared you to millions of citizens both here and in the Diaspora.
“It didn’t come as a surprise to us that President Joe Biden of the United States invited you to the US-Africa Leaders Summit and lauded your efforts in deepening democracy not only in Nigeria, but also in Africa.
“On behalf of the people of Delta Central Senatorial District, I send my felicitations and best wishes and thank you for your selfless service to humanity and the nation as you mark your 80th birthday”, he said.
Sanwo-Olu described President Buhari as a courageous and passionate leader, whose commitment to the growth and development of Nigeria is worthy of emulation.
In a congratulatory message by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Gboyega Akosile on Friday, the Governor said that President Buhari’s unblemished service in public office has made him a role model to many Nigerians.
He said that President Buhari has provided honest and transparent leadership in the country, adding that since he assumed office on 29th May 2015, he has demonstrated unparalleled patriotism, integrity, honesty and courage in the task of steering the ship of Nigeria in the right direction.
The Governor also praised President Buhari for delivering on his promises to Nigerians, especially in the fight against corruption, insurgency and building of infrastructure in different parts of the country.
He said that the President is one of the few Nigerian leaders who have contributed immensely to the growth and development of the country, especially in the Armed Forces, politics and governance.
He said: “On behalf of my family, the government, people of Lagos State and the entire members of the ruling All Progressives Congress, I congratulate President Muhammadu Buhari on the occasion of his 80th birthday.
“President Buhari has sacrificed the greater part of his life in service of our dear country, Nigeria. He is an epitome of honesty, dedication and service and he has used his elevated positions at various times for the betterment of the Nigerian people.
“President Buhari till date remains one of the respected and honest world leaders, who is never found to be corrupt despite the juicy positions he has held in the military and other public offices at state, regional, national and international levels in the last 50 years.
“As President Buhari celebrates his 80th birthday, it is our prayer that God will grant him more prosperous years in good health and wisdom as he continues to serve our dear nation. Happy Birthday to our dear President, the latest entrant in the Octogenarian Club”.
