Buhari not an orator but action man, says Osinbajo; As President, others celebrate Tinubu at 67 

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has said that President Muhammadu Buhari may not be an orator but he has a track record of getting things done.

Osinbajo said this while representing the President at the 11th Bola Tinubu colloquium at the International Conference Centre on Thursday in Abuja.

Osinbajo described Tinubu as an astute politician​ whose political achievements only very few Nigerians can boast of.

The event, which was tagged “Next Level”, is a yearly programme to commemorate the birthday of the APC leader and former Governor of Lagos State.

Tinubu, while addressing the gathering joked that the Vice President is “Talented but evasive”.

He commended the current administration’s efforts and called on Nigerian​s to cooperate with the government in moving the country to the next level.

Tinubu said that the phrase “Next-Level” is not just a political slogan but a call to action for change and development of Nigeria.

The event was graced by dignitaries from all spheres of life including members of the federal executive council and the National Assembly, Royal Fathers, Governors and members of the public.

Meanwhile, President Buhari has sent warm felicitations to Asiwaju Tinubu on his 67th birthday, March 29th, 2019, describing him as one of the strong pillars of Nigeria’s democracy.

A statement by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) said that “President Buhari joins 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 his country, and making life better for many.

“The President recalls 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 were withheld.

“President Buhari affirms 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.

“As the father of modern Lagos State, the President commends 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 rejoices 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 believes 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.”

In a personal tribute to Asiwaju Tinubu, Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi  described him as the leading light of progressive politics in the country, a fact which he said critics of the APC leader usually acknowledge.

Fayemi who recalled his working relationship with the former NADECO chieftain,

In his statement by Yinka Oyebode, Chief Press Secretary to the Ekiti State Governor, said Asiwaju Tinubu remained a dependable, reliable and passionate leader, whose record of grooming successful disciples is unmatchable.

Fayemi said: “ I celebrate you today as always because you have been a reliable, dependable and passionate leader. The hallmark of a great leader is not measured in castles and materials, but in his ability to groom and lead successful disciples.

“Like a colossus in the jungle of life, your ability to identify, nurture and engage talents is unequalled.

“Your life has been a testimony of human capital development in an unrelenting struggle for a better life. Even your political detractors secretly admire your courage, vibrancy, intelligence, ebullience, kind-heartedness, warmth and sagacity.

“I will forever cherish the memory of our struggles for the enthronement and sustenance of democracy and good governance in Nigeria. Your infectious smile, as we have witnessed together on a number of occasions, is disarming. You have, over the years, succeeded in constantly reinventing yourself as a leading light of progressive politics.

“You mean different things to different people. To some, you are a patriotic politician, while to others, you are a political strategist who loves challenging the powers-that-be as a result of your passion and desire to see that your people are not deprived of their rights at any time.

“You might not be the darling of all, but you have carved a niche for yourself in the political history of Nigeria. May providence reward your labour of love with long life in good health, unspeakable joy and everlasting bliss.

“On behalf of the government and good people of Ekiti State, I wish you the best of what your new year can offer. Above all, I wish you many more useful and productive years,” he added.

Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, in his statement by Habib Aruna, his Hief Press Secretary,  on Thursday, saluted the role played by Asiwaju Tinubu in the re-election of President Buhari and Vice President  Osinbajo, saying Nigeria was already on the threshold of greatness with the duo in the next level government.

Governor Ambode, who spoke at the 11th Bola Tinubu Colloquium in Abuja as part of activities marking the 67th birthday of Tinubu, said it was gratifying to note that the next level promised by the APC government was already unfolding, adding that the next four years would engender massive development and service to the people.

“We are all expectant and we can feel the next level unfolding. Our country is on the threshold of greatness because for the first time since our independence, we would have successive administrations of a progressive and visionary government; a government of integrity, a government whose sole interest is the well-being of Nigeria and Nigerians.

“We are lucky to be here in this exciting time; in a time when our country will be led by selfless individuals who have the progress and prosperity of our people as their major objective and we are here today because Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been a very key part of this story.

“We are here not only to celebrate him (Tinubu) but to celebrate the incoming dawn in Nigeria; we are here to celebrate the next level in Nigeria where Nigerians will be served and given what is due to them,” Governor Ambode said.

The Governor, who attended the colloquium with his wife, Bolanle, particularly hailed Tinubu for his political dexterity, doggedness, undoubted courage and political acumen, saying the attributes of the national leader played key part in the electoral victory of APC at the Federal, National Assembly, Governorship and State Assembly elections.

While describing the theme of the colloquium: “Next Level: Work For People,” as perfectly conceived and apt for the moment, Governor Ambode said it was instructive that it was coming at a time when Nigerians were eagerly looking forward to revolutionary transformation in key sectors and sections of the country.

“This colloquium is coming at a time when the APC has spread its political tentacles even further in the country and this colloquium is coming at a time when Nigerians are eagerly looking forward to the next level in progressive politics, economic growth, social welfare and increased national security,” the Governor said.