Eminent personalities have saluted President Muhammadu Buhari as he clocks 80 today.
Chief Whip of the Senate and former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu, has described President Muhammadu Buhari as a genuine and patriotic leader with passion for a just and fair society.
Extolling the virtues of the president, Kalu stressed that Buhari has, over the years, sustained his goodwill and pedigree across the nooks and crannies of the country, owing to his personal attributes anchored on justice and fairness.
Acknowledging the developmental strides of the President Buhari-led administration, the former governor urged the political class to emulate the exemplary leadership qualities of the president, adding that Buhari had consistently demonstrated selflessness, patriotism and integrity in his pursuits.
In a goodwill message, Kalu prayed for longer life for the president in the service to humanity.
He said, “I convey my greetings to President Muhammadu Buhari on the occasion of his 80th birthday anniversary. The President has continually made sacrifices for the growth and progress of Nigeria. His leadership qualities are remarkable, unbeatable and worthy of emulation by leaders across the globe.
“The president will forever be celebrated for his contributions to social, economic and political development of Nigeria and beyond.”
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, also congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a courageous and passionate leader, whose commitment to the growth and development of Nigeria is worthy of emulation.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a congratulatory message issued on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, said President Buhari’s unblemished service in public office had made him role model to many Nigerians.
He said President Buhari had provided honest and transparent leadership in the country, adding that the President, since he assumed office on May 29, 2015, had demonstrated unparalleled patriotism, integrity, honesty and courage in the task of steering the ship of Nigeria in the right direction.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also praised President Buhari for delivering on his promises to Nigerians, especially in the fight against corruption, insurgency and building of infrastructure in different parts of the country. He described the president as one of the few Nigerian leaders who had contributed immensely to the growth and development of the country, especially in the Armed Forces, politics and governance.
In his own statement, Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, hailed the president for his commitment to nation-building and long years of patriotic service to the country.
In a statement by his Media Office signed by Mr. Tunde Rahman, Tinubu, who described President Buhari as “a patriot, selfless and steadfast leader of uncommon zeal,” noted that Buhari enlisted himself into the service of the country as a teenager who joined the military immediately after secondary school.
Asiwaju Tinubu said, at 80, President Buhari could 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.
“As a people, we are truly blessed to have a president who sees no higher honour than the opportunity to serve his people, a responsibility he has always carried with utmost dedication.
“We are proud that, at age 80, this noble man, an officer and a gentleman, is still rendering his service, recording tremendous achievements, the country making remarkable progress under his leadership, and his steady hands gradually guiding the country to the Promised Land.”