•Report by Mudasir Opeyemi
As President Muhammad Buhari joins the club of Octogenarians today, many notable Nigerians across the globe have described him as an achiever.
Identifying with the number one citizen, Encomiums have been coming in to mark his landmark.
Buhari was born on December 17, 1942
Celebrating the President’s birthday, Vice-president Yemi Osinbajo and his wife,Dolapo said Buhari has Served Selflessly describing his life as one of “unblemished, honest and selfless service to the nation”.
The duo’s message was conveyed in a personally signed statement by Osinbajo and released in Abuja on Saturday.
“Happy 80th Birthday, Mr. President!
“Your extraordinary life of unblemished service to the nation in the army, as a Governor, Minister, Military Head of State and as two-term Civilian President demonstrates that it is possible to serve the nation and our people honestly, forthrightly and selflessly.
“Dolly and I, and the family wish you many more happy years in peace and good health in Jesus’ name. Amen,” Osinbajo wrote
The presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) Bola Ahmed Tinubu said the country is lucky for having Buhari as President.
In a congratulatory message to Buhari on his 80th birthday, Tinubu said Buhari is a patriot with “uncommon zeal who has dedicated almost his entire life to the service of Nigeria”.
“I heartily congratulate my president and my leader, Muhammadu Buhari, on the momentous and remarkable occasion of his 80th birthday,” he said.
“President Buhari has been a selfless and steadfast leader, and a patriot with uncommon zeal who has dedicated almost his entire life to the service of Nigeria.
“As a people,we are truly blessed to have this great man and dedicated public servant at this time.He 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.
“On behalf of our great party, APC, and my family,I join the family,friends, Associates and all well-wishers of President Buhari to wish him happy birthday and many happy returns of the day in good health,” Tibubu wrote
Also,the presidential candidate of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP), Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi have also identified with the number Nigerian man to celebrate his birthday with him.
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In his message via his Twitter handle, Atiku Abubakar prayed to God to continue granting President Muhammad Buhari good health.
“Alhamdulillaah. It is your 80th birthday, and I wish to join you, your family and your well-wishers in wishing you many happy returns of the day. May Almighty Allah grant you more years in good health. Amin. –AA,” he wrote
Obi said also prayed for the president to continue receiving God’s protection in his endeavor while leading the country.
“Congratulations to PMB @ 80!
“Mr. President @MBuhari, I rejoice with you as you turn 80 today. May God Almighty, grant you many more healthy, fruitful, and happy years; and continue to protect and bless you, and your family always. Happy birthday Mr President. -PO.”
In a statement by his Spokesman, Gboyega Akosile,the governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu described Buhari as one who is “never found to be corrupt”.
He also said Buhari’s “unblemished service” in public office has made him a role model to many Nigerians.
He described Buhari as a courageous and passionate leader, whose commitment to the growth and development of Nigeria is worthy of emulation.
He praised Buhari for delivering on his promises to Nigerians, especially in building of infrastructure, fighting insurgency, and tackling corruption.
He said the President is one of the few Nigerian leaders who have contributed immensely to the growth and development of the country, especially in the Armed Forces, politics and governance.
He said: “On behalf of my family, the government, people of Lagos State and the entire members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), I congratulate President Muhammadu Buhari on the occasion of his 80th birthday.
“President Buhari has sacrificed the greater part of his life in service of our dear country, Nigeria. He is an epitome of honesty, dedication and service and he has used his elevated positions at various times for the betterment of the Nigerian people.
“President Buhari till date remains one of the respected and honest world leaders, who is never found to be corrupt despite the juicy positions he has held in the military and other public offices at state, regional, national and international levels in the last 50 years.
“As President Buhari celebrates his 80th birthday, it is our prayer that God will grant him more prosperous years in good health and wisdom as he continues to serve our dear nation.
“Happy Birthday to our dear President, the latest entrant in the Octogenarian Club.”
Rejoicing with the President, the Senate President,Ahmed Lawan said Buhari has consistently fought for the unity, development and progress of the country since when he was a uniform man till date.
He said the record of his administration in infrastructural development across the country is unrivaled and those records would continue to live with him for the rest of his life
“Your Excellency, millions of Nigerians are inspired by your life story and legacy of service to our dear and great country,” his statement read in part
“As a soldier, military Head of State and democratically elected President, you consistently fought for the unity, development and progress of Nigeria.
“As we approach the end of your tenure on 29th May, 2023, you can rest assured that millions of Nigerians across our vast country genuinely appreciate your achievements in nation-building and in strengthening the guardrails of democracy in Nigeria.
“The record of your administration in infrastructural development across the nation is unrivaled and will continue to speak for your stewardship long after your retirement.
“Your Excellency, once again, I wish you happy birthday celebration and many more years in good health and happiness.”
In a statement titled” Gbajabiamila Salutes President Buhari At 80″ and signed by his special adviser on Media and Publicity,Lanre Lasisi,the speaker of the House of Representatives,Rt. Hon Femi Gbajabiamila described President Buhari as a beacon of hope,noting that his footprints would remain indelible in the sands of time.
The speaker recognized that President Buhari has made sacrifices for Nigeria and Nigerians over the years, especially in the last seven and a half years of his stewardship as the democratically elected president twice.
Buhari, Gbajabiamila added, will be remembered as the Nigerian leader who brought infrastructure development closer to the people.
He noted that Buhari’s democratic credentials are uncommon, Gbajabiamila said the president has allowed democratic institutions to operate unhindered, which he said is the hallmark of democracy.
“Attaining the age of 80 is a milestone, especially when one uses a large chunk of that in service to humanity. That is the case with our President.
“President Buhari has provided democratic direction and redefined democracy in the Nigerian context in the last seven and half years.
“I join millions of our compatriots to wish the President a happy 80th birthday. I pray that the Almighty Allah will continue to guide and protect our President and grant him more wisdom,” Gbajabiamila said.