The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has described a chieftain of the party and former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a pride and icon of democracy as he clocks 68.
Paying this tribute in a statement issued and sent to The DEFENDER on Saturday was National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu.
He said: “On behalf of the leadership and entire members of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), we join other well meaning Nigerians to celebrate our National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on his 68th birthday.
“As a party, we are proud to identify with this outstanding politician and statesman, whose contributions to the enthronement and sustenance of democracy in our country have been phenomenal and acknowledged far and wide.
“In the last 30 years, Asiwaju Tinubu has dedicated his life to the tenets and ethos of progressive politics with unwavering commitment, focus and dedication.
“As governor of Lagos State, Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre, Asiwaju Tinubu implemented policies and programmes that have not only endured till date, but being copied and replicated in many other states across the nation.
“Fundamentally, he did not only lay the foundation for the transformation of Lagos, but also put in place an enduring blueprint for the progressive development of the state. Under his guardianship, successive governors have been dutifully implementing the Asiwaju Blueprint which has seen Lagos, viewed previously as a densely populated slum, become a modern mega city.
“As an opposition leader, Tinubu exemplified a strong fidelity to responsible politics, taking on the retrogressive inclination of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government at the centre with gusto, superior ideas and principles through legal and constitutional channels.
“Our great party also note with pride, Asiwaju Tinubu’s outstanding contributions to the APC and concept of “Common Sense Revolution”, which culminated in the overwhelming rejection of the PDP by majority of Nigerians at the 2015 general elections.
“Furthermore, we salute his patriotism to the Nigerian cause, doggedness and tireless efforts to make our party a strong political unit that can deliver on its promises to the Nigerian people and overcome current and future challenges.
“As Asiwaju Tinubu celebrates another year, we pray for more wisdom, sound health and long life in his service of our great party and country,” the party said.
