Tinubu is pillar of democracy, says Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has described All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a pillars of democracy.

The accolade was contained in felicitations the President sent to the former Lagos State governor on the occasion of his 67th birthday.

A Colloquium tagged: “The 11th Bola Tinubu Colloquium”, is billed for today at the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja.

It is to commemorate Tinubu’s birthday.

President Buhari will chair the colloquium that has its theme as “Next Level Work for People.”

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the President described Tinubu as one of the strong pillars of Nigeria’s democracy.

He joined the APC family in celebrating the Asiwaju of Lagos, who is also the Jagaban of Borgu Kingdom in Niger State, for his selflessness in serving the country, and making life better for many.

The President recalled some of the sacrifices of the party chieftain to include, standing up against injustice in 1993 when the June 12 elections were annulled, which led to his going on political exile for many years, and a protracted legal battle with the Federal Government when funds for Lagos councils were withheld.

The statement reads: “President Buhari affirmed that Asiwaju’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.

Read also: Tinubu as reactionaries’ nightmare

“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.

President Buhari rejoiced with family members, friends, political and business associates of the Jagaban on this auspicious milestone, which is further brightened with the many successes recorded at the recently concluded polls by his strong leadership.

“The President believed the best years of the APC National Leader are still ahead, praying that the almighty God will grant him longer life, good health and more wisdom to keep serving the country he loves so much.”