•President: He’s someone of principles, integrity, loyalty, truth
•He’s a wise man, says ex-Nigerian leader
Deji Elumoye, Sunday Aborisade in Abuja and Segun James in Lagos
President Bola Tinubu, his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, today, rejoice with a former governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande, as he marks his 85th birthday.
While Tinubu described Akande as a man of principles of integrity, loyalty, and truth, among other attributes, Buhari said he was a wise man, Akpabio identified him as a conscientious stateman, and Sanwo-Olu painted him as a courageous, exemplary, honest and an advocate of good governance.
Tinubu, in a release by his Media Adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, extolled Akande’s defining principles of integrity, loyalty, truth, and justice, recalling his exemplary leadership odyssey and selfless service to Nigeria.
“Baba was a principal actor in the founding of our great party, the All Progressives’ Congress. He has always been a progressive; always noble and disciplined in thoughts and actions, as well as given to rational and enlightened ideals.
“He is a cherished friend and confidant, ever so generous with his wise counsel. I celebrate him,” he said, wishing Akande many more years in good health and strength, and thanking him for his unfailing support and sacrifice over the years and now.
Buhari, in a message to Akande, described him as a wise man under whose watch the party made great strides.
The former president said he and the celebrant shared common positions on a number of political issues and others affecting the nation, saying, “He is very wise man, who laid solid foundation for the growth and development of our party.”
Buhari said he believed that the party was structured and maintained in a way to meet the developmental needs of the country.
Akpabio, in a congratulatory message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, said Akande remained an accomplished democrat and dependable politician.
“Sir, I am happy to identify with you and I can attest to your indelible contributions to the socio-political development of the country. As a statesman, you have always stood on the path of truth and justice, speaking truth to power.
“As a politician, you played a pioneering role in laying the foundation for the birth of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and indeed set standards in party politics and political engineering.
“His records of hard work and commitment to excellence speaks for him. Chief Akande, as governor of Osun State, displayed statecraft, which etched the state on solid footing of infrastructural development.
“Being a democrat of progressive bent, you were active in the struggle against military rule and your resilience and courage can never go unnoticed. You fought alongside other progressives such as President Bola Tinubu to restore the democracy we are enjoying today,” he said.
The Lagos governor said Akande was an epitome of true federalism, a true democrat and respected political icon, who made a great impact in the lives of many Nigerians through politics and governance.
Sanwo-Olu, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, celebrated Akande for his commitment to public service, especially during his tenure as the first Governor of Osun State.
He added that Akande remained a beacon of hope for younger generations in a country where many believed that politics was a means for wealth acquisition.
“Chief Bisi Akande, a true democrat, has been a member of the progressive camp for many decades. He has been playing active roles in party politics and governance in Nigeria since the Second Republic. He is an advocate of good governance, restructuring and true federalism in Nigeria.
“Baba Akande was an extraordinary public servant and administrator whose commitment to selfless public service remains a lesson for those of us currently in public office and those who aspire to public service.
“All through his long years of exemplary service and throughout the pro-democracy struggle, Chief Bisi Akande remained consistent and was a dependable man of integrity.”
