The Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, on Monday described as a true democrat and bridge-builder, former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

This was contained in a congratulatory statement message to Tinubu on the occasion of his 64th birthday which comes up on Tuesday.

In the statement signed by the Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, Aregbesola portrayed Tinubu as one gallant Nigerian who fought not only for democracy but also the expansion of the nation’s political space.

Aregbesola highlighted “Tinubu’s financial management ingenuity, unparalleled political mobilisation capacity and the ability to keep his large political family together” as some of the reasons Tinubu would continue to be celebrated and revered for a long time to come.

He stated that the further expansion of the political space of the country also makes Tinubu a bridge-builder and an astute politician, who brought to pass the prediction of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, that the progressive South and North will one day come together to rule the nation.

The statement said in part: “Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu means many things to many people but there are certain things that everyone agrees about him: a political think-thank, master strategist, promoter of politics of inclusion, political futurist and fearless activist and top politician per excellence.

“His life is packed with personal achievements and involvements as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a pro-democracy activist, two-time governor of Lagos State, mentor of successful leaders and currently a major player and factor on the national political scene.

“He strikes as a consummate politician and very strategic, original political thinker.

“When he became governor of Lagos, the state was financially incapacitated but Tinubu’s knowledge of public finance changed the fortune of the Lagos Internally Generated Revenue from mere N600m. The rest is history as Lagos today stands on firm, sure footing of unimaginable development proportion.

“There is no denying the fact that Asiwaju is a rare breed politician, patriot and a true democrat. Through his political efforts and strategies, progressive politics for which the South West was noted now dominates the realm.

“No doubt, the accounts of modern Nigerian political evolution would not be complete without ample recognition of the roles of this selfless political leader.”

•Photo shows Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.