Welcome to our club of over 75–IBB
He should go back to Daura for a deserved –PDP
President Muhammadu Buhari celebrated his 76th birth day on Monday, December 17 and appealed to Nigerians to give him more time to translate his intentions for the country.
Marking the event at the Fore Court of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the president expressed appreciation to his aides for putting the birthday celebration together.
“Well, I am impressed with it; have put a lot of time behind it, I thank and appreciate them very much.
“We will keep reminding Nigerians about what we have done, how we met the country, what we have been able to do for the time we came in to now with the resources available to us.
“Nigerians should continue to pray for me and understand my intentions and give me time,” he said.
But the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said Buhari should retire to his home town, Daura and take a deserved rest.
The party’s spokesman, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan said in an interview:
“We don’t have time to waste anymore. The country cannot afford a sleeping President. President Buhari has done what he could do, but unfortunately, his best is not good enough for the country.
“He told Nigerians about four years ago that old age would slow him down. I’m not sure he is getting younger since he said that. The same President also said that his doctors had asked him to rest, eat and sleep more. As much as he needs all these, we need to tell him that the country cannot afford such a leader at this critical time when all hands must be on deck.
“We have a high number of unemployed youths, citizens and soldiers are being killed by terrorists, the roads are bad, the economy is bad and the President who had been asked to be sleeping is asking for more time. Ask him, more time to do what?”
Meanwhile, former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida in a goodwill message to Buhari welcomed him “to our club to over 75.”
He said the president had been “an excellent role model to many young aspiring politicians and even to the not-so-young, because of the way and manner you have managed to sustain the survival of our country as an indivisible one nation albeit in the face of many daunting diversions.
“You achieved great success in the fight against corruption, terrorism and other forms of insecurity in addition to getting our country out of economic recession.
“I wish to congratulate you for all the achievements you have recorded in your lifetime and particularly for your humility, deep sense of honesty and faith you have shown in the various aspects of governance, politics and democracy as our president.
“As we get over our mid-seventies, we can say with all sense of modesty that we should celebrate every birthday anniversary with prayers in order for us to thank Allah for all the blessings and the bounties He showered upon us.
“A typical day in the life of a Nigerian President requires faith, poise, patience, tenacity, experience, strategic thinking and quality character for one to get through it.
“Welcome to our club of the over 75.”
For his part, former president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, the president has been of a great service to Nigeria.
In a statement he personally signed, Jonathan said: “Your life has been a life of great service to our dear nation, having served as a brave soldier, Governor, minister of petroleum, head of state, and now President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“I join you, your family, well-wishers and fellow Nigerians to give thanks to Almighty God for the gift of a long life. I wish you good health and more productive years, as you continue to lend your skills and energy to the task of building a Nigeria of our dreams.”
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) also joined in felicitating with the president.
NANS spokesman, Mr. Bestman Okereafor, said in a birthday message to the president had displayed great commitment in repositioning Africa for growth and economic sustainability.
“The national secretariat of NANS joins the world, Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) and progressive minded Nigerians in wishing our beloved President and ECOWAS chairman, Muhammadu Buhari, a happy 76th birthday.
“Mr. President, no doubt, has consistently displayed an unrivaled commitment to a better Africa and Nigeria.
“Nigerian students both home and in Diaspora are sincerely praying that God upholds, strengthen and preserve you, Mr. President.
“We also pray that God help you lead this country in the right direction of progress, peace and prosperity for all.
“There is a need to bring on board young, fresh and capable hands into your cabinet to man critical and growing areas especially in some sectors of the nation’s economy,” said NANS.
