Tinubu: My Election Greatest Birthday Gift To Me

Reading Time: 3 minutes

President-elect Bola Tinubu, yesterday, described his election as the incoming president of Nigeria as the greatest gift to him by the Nigerian people, and could therefore not request for anything else.

He, however, declared that his campaign promises were not mere words professed glibly or cynically to win support, but that they represented his bond that binds him to the task of creating a better Nigeria for the benefit of every Nigerian.

This is as the Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo, governors of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), leadership of the party and other stakeholders, have felicitated with the president-elect on his 71st birthday with best wishes.

Tinubu, in a statement, yesterday, said while this was his first birthday as the President-elect, he recalled that a few weeks back, Nigerians gave him the honour of a lifetime by electing him as the next president.

He said with such a privilege already granted to him, he would not go so far as to suggest he was due any more birthday presents this year, because he had already been given the greatest gift.

Thanking all those who had expressed goodwill towards him on the occasion of my 71st birthday and God the Almighty for the life He has given him, for all the opportunities and doors He has opened to him along the way, he said, “This year in particular, I see this day as one of deep reflection. The spiritual meaning and significance of the holy month of Ramadan matter to me much more than the celebration of any individual milestone.

“Yet, this is my first birthday as the President-elect. A few weeks back, Nigerians gave me the honour of a lifetime. In exactly two months, on the 29th of May, my term in office will begin. It is a rare privilege indeed, and one that I do not take lightly and shall not squander.

“With such a privilege already granted to me, I will not go so far as to suggest I am due any birthday presents this year. I have already been given the greatest gift. A chance to lead and fulfil destiny. An opportunity to champion your aspirations and to bring about the Nigeria of your dreams.

“I will, instead, use this day as an opportunity to reiterate my commitment to the great and important task of rebuilding our nation and renewing the hope of the Nigerian people. I campaigned hard and made important promises.

“Those promises were not mere words – professed glibly or cynically to win support. They represent a bond that binds me to the task of creating a better Nigeria for the benefit of every Nigerian, whether you voted for me or not. I have prepared for this moment all my life. I will not fail,” he promised.

Osinbajo to Tinubu: May God Grant You Wisdom, Strength to Lead

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has felicitated with the President-elect, Bola Tinubu, on his 71st birthday, and prayed God to grant him more wisdom and strength in the task ahead of him to lead Nigeria aright from May 29, 2023.

In a statement personally signed, Osinbajo, who served as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, when Tinubu was governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007, stated that today’s occasion “is unique, as it occurs as you prepare to take on your most significant assignment yet as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Dolly and I rejoice with you, the family, friends and associates on this occasion of your 71st birthday. We thank the Almighty God for his grace and enablement upon your life that has made possible your many years of service and contributions to Lagos State, our nation and our great party.

“This occasion of your 71st birthday is unique, as it occurs as you prepare to take on your most significant assignment yet as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“All we can offer you in this solemn period is a prayer. That the Lord will help you in this assignment and give you good health, strength and wisdom to serve our people and our nation excellently. Happy Birthday! God bless you.”