Nigerian President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated his friend and ally, the immediate Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, on his 81st birthday while describing him as an icon of truth, justice, and patriotism.
Tinubu’s message was in a statement on Saturday by his spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, in Abuja.
He extolled the peerless leadership credentials and feats of the former President, recalling his meritorious service to the nation at various times as Head of State and as President.
The president recalled 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, adding that the former military head had to his credit the establishment of Nigeria’s first-ever national social investment and protection programme, amongst many other feats.
The President fondly recalled the former President’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, while describing him 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.
While wishing the elder statesman longevity and strength, Tinubu assured the former President that the hope of a prosperous, peaceful, and progressive Nigeria, which he had always worked for, would not be dashed.
NAN