Stephen Angbulu, Dirisu Yakubu, Daniel Ayantoye, Gbenga Oloniniran, Tope Omogbolagun
Ex-President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday extended birthday greetings to President Bola Tinubu, who turns 72 today (Friday) March 29, 2024.
Buhari commended Tinubu for “making sustained efforts to overcome the many problems of the country,” as he wished him many happy returns of the day.
Buhari’s birthday message was conveyed 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 asked well-meaning friends and family members to keep his birthday low-key.
The Presidency revealed this in a statement signed by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga.
Onanuga premised the low-key celebration on the killing of army officers and policemen in Delta State and the current spate of insecurity nationwide.
The Presidency said he will use the opportunity of his birthday to “reflect and re-dedicate himself to the task of building a more stable, more secure, virile, prosperous and united Nigeria.”
Buhari, in his congratulatory message, 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!”
The 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 President as he reset the country.
Also, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, felicitated Tinubu.
Abbas, in a congratulatory message by his media aide, Musa Krishi, described Tinubu as “a grandmaster of progressive politics.”
