‘Pillar of Democracy’ – Buhari Hails Tinubu At 67

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as he marks his 67th birthday tomorrow, describing him as one of the strong pillars of Nigeria’s democracy.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the president joined the APC family in celebrating Tinubu for his selflessness in serving the country and making life better for many.

The Nigerian leader recalled some of the sacrifices of the party chieftain to include standing up against injustice in 1993 when the June 12 presidential election was annulled by the General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida military administration, leading to his eventual political exile for many years as well as the protracted legal battle with the Federal Government when funds for Lagos councils were withheld by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Buhari affirmed that Tinubu’s “uncompromising posture in the face of injustice and refusal to follow the path of least resistance for personal gains stand him out today as a rare breed and one of the cornerstones of Nigeria’s democracy, especially with his track record of persistence, consistency and effective leadership.”

The statement added: “As the father of modern Lagos State, the president commended the visionary and inclusive leadership style that the Asiwaju provided for the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria for eight years, laying the foundation for a modern and technologically driven city, and ensuring that every successive leader in the state sticks with the masterplan of a greater Lagos.”