Former President Muhammadu Buhari wished President Bola Tinubu a happy 72nd birthday on Friday, March 29, 2024.
Buhari praised Tinubu for his continuous efforts to address the country's numerous challenges and wished him a happy birthday.
Buhari's birthday message was communicated in a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, titled 'Former President Buhari greets Tinubu on his 72nd birthday.'
Last Sunday, Tinubu requested close friends and family to keep his birthday celebration simple.
The Presidency revealed this in a statement signed by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga.
Onanuga linked the low-key celebration to the killing of army officers and policemen in Delta State and the current level of insecurity across the nation.
The Presidency mentioned that Tinubu will use the occasion of his birthday to reflect and recommit to the task of building a more stable, secure, prosperous, and united Nigeria.
In his congratulatory message, Buhari said, “My family and I pray to God that you remain healthy and happy and continue to work for the betterment of the country. Happy birthday to you!”
Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, also congratulated Tinubu, describing him as a visionary leader.
In a statement by his media aide, Ismail Mudashir, the Deputy Senate President said, “I join all Nigerians and other admirers around the world in rejoicing with a great visionary leader of our time, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Tinubu, on his 72nd birthday.
“Your Excellency, you are, indeed, an exemplary embodiment of our democratic ideals, having been among the foremost in the vanguard of the struggle for the attainment and entrenchment of democracy in our dear country.”
Barau called on Nigerians of all persuasions to pray for the country and offer their full support to the President as he resets the country.
Similarly, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, congratulated Tinubu.
Abbas, in a congratulatory message by his media aide, Musa Krishi, described Tinubu as “a grandmaster of progressive politics.”
“I wish President Bola Tinubu a happy birthday. While it is his desire, as a passionate leader, that his birthday celebrations should be low-key, it is also an attestation to his selfless leadership style, which we are all emulating.
“Nevertheless, we can’t but express our admiration for a man who is willing and on the verge of transforming the socio-political and economic conditions of our country,” he said.
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Similarly, Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, lauded President Tinubu for his obvious pragmatic moves that are now gradually helping the economy to rebound.
Kalu, in a statement by his spokesman, Mr Levinus Nwabughiogu, praised the President's resilience, courage, and effective strategies in moving the country forward.
He said, “President Tinubu, on behalf of my family and the good people of Bende Federal Constituency, I heartily congratulate you on your 72nd birthday. It is indeed a milestone of age.
You have definitely faced many challenges to support democracy and improve our country.
I admire your bravery, determination, and practical steps in the Renewed Hope Agenda to revive and improve the economy.
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, praised Tinubu on his birthday, calling him a courageous and passionate leader dedicated to Nigeria's progress.
Sanwo-Olu, in a statement by his media aide, Gboyega Akosile, conveyed his congratulations to President Bola Tinubu on his 72nd birthday on behalf of his family, the government, and the people of Lagos State.
Tinubu's financial and economic knowledge, which he used as the Governor of Lagos State, has greatly advanced the state, making it the fifth largest economy in Africa.
Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, described President Tinubu as a selfless leader and a promoter of democracy and unity in the country.
Fubara, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, recalled Tinubu's role in the rebirth of democracy through the National Democratic Coalition during the military regime and his leadership in political platforms that led to the emergence of the APC.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, extended birthday felicitations to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his 72nd birthday on behalf of his wife, Lady Valerie, the government, and people of Rivers State.
The governor prayed for President Tinubu's good health, divine enablement, and grace to continue serving the nation and humanity amid the current economic and security challenges.
Likewise, lawmakers at the Lagos State House of Assembly spoke highly of President Tinubu, commending him for choosing a low-key celebration of his birthday considering the nation's mood.
Speaker Mudasiru Obasa's Chief Press Secretary, Eromosele Ebhomele, stated that the lawmakers praised the President for his achievements as the former governor of Lagos State and his ongoing efforts to elevate the state globally.
The lawmakers emphasized the importance of celebrating the President's accomplishments as the former governor and his current initiatives, which have enhanced Lagos' global reputation.
Obasa explained, “When Asiwaju Tinubu became governor, we all know how much Lagos was earning. He successfully increased the state's revenue from N600m to over N8bn in 2007 and initiated strategies for further revenue growth.
“This celebration is not just about his birthday; it is a tribute to Lagos and the impact of his policies. The recent unveiling of the Lagos Red Line rail project, attributed to Asiwaju's creation of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority during his governorship, highlights this.
