President Muhammadu Buhari, the Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, and a national leader of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, on Thursday congratulated former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who clocks 70 on Friday (today).
Buhari said he was delighted to welcome Atiku to the septuagenarians’ club, while Tinubu described him as a “man of faith.”
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, the President conveyed his best wishes to Atiku in a congratulatory letter he personally signed.
While welcoming the former Vice-President “to the 70s club,” Buhari prayed that Allah would grant him many more years of good health and service to Nigeria.
“Over the years, I have admired your courage and doggedness in defending your interests and your generosity in promoting education. The American University in Yola is one of your noble legacies, and my hope and wish is that it will endure,” Buhari reportedly wrote.
Dogara, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Turaki Hassan, described Atiku as a democrat, philanthropist, patriot and elder statesman.
According to Dogara, Abubakar is an icon of democracy and one of those who struggled to enthrone democratic governance in Nigeria.
He said, “Atiku is one person who, even at the height of the insurgency when people were running and closing their businesses, was establishing schools and manufacturing industries to provide jobs for our youths.
“As he clocks 70 years, we wish him God’s guidance, protection and sound health to continue with his invaluable service to the nation and humanity in years to come.”
Tinubu, in a letter he personally signed, described Atiku as “my dear brother.”
He added that the former Vice-President’s faith had been keeping him going and waxing strong.
The former Lagos State governor urged him to accept that “there is a tide in the affairs of men.”
The letter partly read,”Your life has been a life of service to your people, your country and the causes you believe in. Nigeria has been well served by your stewardship and leadership.
“Your steadfastness in walking the democratic path sets you apart as a leader with substance.
“Your passion for education has seen you invest your time and resources in education, knowing full well that when you educate people, you educate a nation.
“You are a man of faith. Your faith has kept you going and kept you strong. I urge you to accept that there is a tide in the affairs of men.
“You must continue to serve Nigeria well even as a private citizen and a notable leader.
“Do not relent because Nigeria needs you and others like you to continue to make life more meaningful.
“We must continue to explore common grounds towards promoting the common good.
“I pray for a long life and continued good health for Turaki Adamawa, Atiku Abubakar.”
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