President Bola Tinubu has celebrated his long-time confidant, Chief Bisi Akande, as he marks his 85th birthday today, January 16, 2024.
Akande was the governor of Osun State from 1999 to 2003 and the pioneer interim national chairman of the All Progressives’ Congress (APC).
Tinubu, in a statement by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, extolled Baba’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 APC. 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,” the president said.
Tinubu wished Baba Akande many more years in good health and strength and thanked him for his unfailing support and sacrifice over the years and now.
Also, former President Muhammadu Buhari has sent birthday greetings to Akande, describing him as a wise man under whose watch the party made great strides.
Buhari, in a statement by his media aide, Garba Shehu, said he and the celebrant shared common positions on a number of political issues and others affecting the nation.
“He is a very wise man who laid a solid foundation for the growth and development of our party,” Buhari said.
He wished Akande good health and many more years of service to the party and the nation.
On his part, the national leadership of the APC said the party owes a debt of gratitude to Akande for his invaluable contributions in founding the party and for his leadership that laid the foundation for the massive and historic electoral victory in the 2015 general elections.
The party, in a statement by its national publicity secretary, Felix Morka, joined family, friends, associates and party faithful to give a befitting toast to a patriot, elder statesman, veteran grassroots politician, administrator par excellence, and an icon of political progressivism.
“A father figure, a unifier and strident voice of reason, Chief Akande remains a stable and selfless promoter of peace and reconciliation among leaders and members of our great party.”
