President Muhammadu Buhari clocked 80 years old today December, 17, and distinguished Nigerians, including former president Goodluck Jonathan, former vice president Atiku Abubakar, All Progressives Congress’ (APC) Presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu and President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, extoled his virtues in goodwill messages. Former President Jonathan praised President Buhari saying he has had an exceptional opportunity of leading the country twice, both as a military Head of State and civilian President, and prayed for God’s guidance and protection as he pilots the affairs of the nation in the remaining months of his administration. The former President stated: “I am delighted to felicitate you on the occasion of your 80th birthday. I join your family, friends and other well-wishers to thank God for the gift of life and the strength to pilot the affairs of this nation for the past seven and a half years.
“As a leader, you are one of the few Nigerians who have been privileged to administer our country at different political eras; both as a military Head of State and civilian president. During these times, you have offered your best efforts in the pursuit of your aspirations for the nation.
“As you celebrate, I wish you the strength, peace and God’s guidance in the remaining months of your administration and even beyond. On behalf of my family, I wish you a happy birthday.”
Atiku, in his goodwill message, said Buhari at 80, “continues to be a motivation for inner strength.”
The PDP presidential flag-bearer prays for Mr President “to continue to enjoy the grace of good health and vitality, as he continues to play his leadership roles in Nigeria and Africa.”
Tinubu, on his part hailed the president for “his commitment to nation-building and long years of patriotic service to the country.”
In the statement from his Media Office, signed by Mr. Tunde Rahman, Tinubu further described Buhari as “a patriot, selfless and steadfast leader of uncommon zeal,” and noted that Buhari enlisted himself into the service of the country as a teenager who joined the military immediately after secondary school.
Tinubu said: “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, Minister of Petroleum, Head of State, Chairman of Petroleum Trust Fund and as the current leader of the country.
“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,” Tinubu added.
Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta and Vice Presidential Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), while penning down his congratulatory message to Buhari in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, on Saturday in Asaba said the government and people of the state extend their goodwill to the president.
The governor commended Buhari for the completion of the second Niger Bridge, and remarked that it was a demonstration of political will.
“As you clock 80 today, I heartily rejoice with you and your family on behalf of the government and people of Delta.
“Let me, on behalf of our people, commend you for the completion of the second Niger Bridge, an audacious project that was long overdue.
“Your administration has provided support to states and local governments through interventions and refunds to mitigate the myriad of economic challenges faced by the two tiers of government.
“As you celebrate this year’s anniversary, it is my prayer and that of people of Delta that God will continue to grant you good health and wisdom to finish strong as your administration winds down.
