By Tobi Soniyi
President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated eminent academic and former federal minister, Prof. Tamunoemi Sokari David-West, as he turns 80 years this Friday.
Buhari, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, recalled with fond memories his long-term relationship with the elder statesman, when he served as Minister of Petroleum, 1984-1985.
The president commended David-West’s steadfastness and forthrightness on issues of good governance, democracy, human rights and the unity of Nigeria, especially when some seemed to easily give up on the project of building one great nation.
The president assured the octogenarian that his place in Nigeria’s history was guaranteed for the statesmanship, fearlessness, intellectual depth, resourcefulness and versatility that he brought into public discourse.
The president prayed that the Almighty God would continue to grant the former minister good health and more fruitful years of service to his fatherland.
