…Says his hope for better Nigeria will not be dashed
• Buhari legendary for his unparalleled integrity, incorruptibility – APC
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye and Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has celebrated his friend and ally, former President Muhammadu Buhari, on his 81st birthday, describing him as peerless, an icon of truth, justice, and patriotism.
This is even as the All Progressives Congress (APC) has described former president Muhammadu Buhari as a man legendary for his unparalleled integrity, incorruptibility and uncanny dedication for nation building.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu extolled Buhari’s peerless leadership credentials and feats, recalling his meritorious service to the nation at various times as Head of State and as President.
Reeling out former President Buhari’s unparalleled record of infrastructural provision, comprising 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, in addition to establishing Nigeria’s first ever National Social Investment and Protection Programme, amongst many other feats, President Tinubu fondly recalled how his predecessor’s aggressive push to modernize 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.
“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,” the President said.
President Tinubu said he 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, President Tinubu assured him that the hope of a prosperous, peaceful, and progressive Nigeria, which he had always worked for, would not be dashed.
The APC in a birthday celebration message, signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, also described Buhari as a visionary leader, elder statesman, patriot and democrat.
The statement read in part: “APC heartily felicitates with former President Buhari on the auspicious occasion of his 81st birthday anniversary. Legendary for his unparalleled integrity, incorruptibility and uncanny dedication to nation building, we celebrate a visionary leader, elder statesman, patriot and democrat.
“Your Excellency’s progressive proclivity and commitment to rescuing our dear nation from the precipice factored in the historic merger that birthed our great party. With you as the pioneer presidential candidate in 2015, the party ousted the incumbent and coasted home to a resounding victory.”