President Muhammadu Buhari, Speaker of House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara and the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Ayo Fayose, on Monday, took turns to extol the virtues of former Lagos State Governor and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, a day ahead of his 64^th birthday.

“The President believes the rising political profile of Asiwaju Tinubu since he was elected a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 1992 is a testimony to his forthrightness, diligence and doggedness, the same qualities that had endeared him to the electorate and given him all-round success as a private sector worker, a businessman and two-term Governor of Lagos State,” Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) Femi Adesina said in a statement.

“As one of the pillars of the APC, President Buhari commends the visionary leadership style of the Asiwaju of Lagos, who is also the Jagaban of the Borgu Kingdom in Niger State, for creating a formidable opposition party in Nigeria that worked vigorously within a short period to oust a party that had been in power for 16 years.

“The President assures the national leader that his patriotism and commitment to democracy and good governance, and his generous spirit will always be remembered and appreciated by generations of Nigerians.

“He prays that the Almighty God will grant the Asiwaju long life, good health, wisdom and prosperity as he steadfastly supports efforts to promote the development of Nigeria.”

Dogara, on his part, ‎described Tinubu as a formidable political force that has brought changes to political landscape of Nigeria.

Dogara said this in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Mr Turaki Hassan, in Abuja to congratulate Tinubu on the occasion of his 64th birthday.

The speaker said that the entire members of the House of Representatives used the opportunity to salute Tinubu for being a great leader who had attained milestones in Nigeria.

“On this joyous occasion of your birthday, we in the House of Representatives, salute you, great leader, for the milestones you have attained in Nigeria.

“Your feats are bold and exceptional; from business to governance and politics. As a governor, you made sweeping reforms that till date, your successors are still building on and making Lagos State proud.

“In politics, you have been a formidable force, helping to put together a great political party that won power at the centre in Nigeria.

“You have proved to be a true hero of democracy, a light that cannot be concealed.

“As you mark yet another year, my prayer for you is that God will continue to consolidate your efforts and crown them all with success.”

Also, Gov. Fayose sees Tinubu, as a pillar in Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole.

Fayose said this in a congratulatory message to mark Tiunbu’s 64th birthday.

A statement issued by Mr Idowu Adelusi, the Chief Press Secretary to Fasoye, said that the APC national leader had over the years proven to be a great political figure in the country.

“I heartily felicitate with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he clocks 64 on March 29.

“Whether one likes it or not, Asiwaju Tinubu has become a political pillar and leader, not only in Yorubaland but in Nigeria.

“He is a great politician who takes well-calculated political steps.

“I and the good people of Ekiti State join millions of Nigerians and Asiwaju Tinubu's friends and supporters across the world to rejoice with him on this auspicious occasion.

“Asiwaju Tinubu is a good case study when one talks about political resilience and doggedness and no wonder he now ranks among the leaders of this great country.

“I pray that God gives him the grace to witness many more years in sound health in the land of the living.”

Tiunbu was born on March 29, 1952. He would be 64 years old on Tuesday. (NAN)

•Photo shows Asiwaju Tinubu.