President Muhammmadu Buhari has assured Nigerians that no amount of provocations will dampen his determination to serve them in the best of manners.
He stated this in Abuja at a special event, organised by his family and close associates to mark his 80th birthday.
In a documentary on his life from childhood, shown at the event, the President admitted that the widely-circulated rumour suggesting that he was dead, and cloned from a Sudanese called Jibrin was destructive, but that it did not shift him from focus.
He said the architects of such allegations wanted to distract attention from the main issue, which is developing the infrastructure, and making people aware that they need to work hard to live well and earn the respect of their communities.
On what he will miss the most after leaving office in May next year, the President simply said nothing much.
“I wonder if I am going to miss much. I think I’m being harassed. I believe I’m trying my best but still my best is not good enough. Because there are people around that think that they can intimidate me to get what they want instead of going through certain systems to earn whatever they want to earn. And they are the same people who want to be clever by half”, he said.
Foremost among the attendees were Governors, members of his cabinet, legislators, APC flagbearers, party stalwarts, relatives, traditional leaders, and other top government officials.
Eulogising the celebrant on behalf of the family, his eldest daughter, Hajia Fatima Buhari, thanked Allah for giving him health, long life, honest, and caring heart.
“Baba is someone who money cannot buy, that’s one thing we know. He taught humility, loyalty, integrity, dignity, honesty, and to be dedicated to faith.
“And he has very good sense of humour. He gave us everything a parent will give his child – love, care, good education, shelter.
“We’ve learned so much from his respect for time, uprightness, sense of planning, accountability, indiscrimination. We’re so proud of you, we love you, we wish you a very happy birthday, and wish you could last another 80 years”, Hajia Fatimah hoped.
A toast for the celebrant
Proposing a toast for the celebrant, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, made a reference to the jocular nature of the President, and the manner in which the President is successfully steering the affairs of the country.
He referred to him as a very religious man, whose piety guides his thoughts and actions.
“There were some allegations that were made against me that were completely false, so I was very very annoyed and went to him.
“I told him that I wanted his permission to a memo I have written for the EFCC and the ICPC to investigate. He looked at it and looked at me and said VP, why do you worry yourself about all these people? These people just make all sorts of allegations, cook up stories, you know. They’re saying I am about to get married again, and that made some people rush to the National Mosque for the wedding”. He said.
During the toast, Vice President Osinbajo described the celebrant as an exemplary leader, a forthright and honest man, a good and kind man, and a man who has led the country with great courage, with determination and commitment for years.
He prayed the Almighty to preserve his life in good health, peace, and joy, for many years.
Man with impeccable traits
Similarly, Senator Ibikunle Amosun described the President as a man with impeccable traits that were appealing to even his adversaries.
“This humble man is very compassionate, very committed, a good listener, somebody that loves his family, somebody that loves Nigeria, a nationalist. President Muhammadu Buhari will always think about others, a very contented fellow.” he said.
Also speaking, Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State, said the President deserved commendation for keeping to his promise and completing the 2nd Niger Bridge.
“The 2nd Niger Bridge is indeed a great miracle, and our people have not taken it for granted. We’re deeply very, very grateful to you, Sir.
“Only you can do it, only you can promise, and only you can do what you say you will do,” the Governor acknowledged.
He described the President as a patriot, having passion for all the sections making up the country.
Governor Umahi said President was a man of integrity, who never gave in to trivialities.
The presidential candidate of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, thanked President Buhari for sacrificing a lot for the progress of Nigeria.
He said: “You have been at the helm of the affairs of this country at a critical time. We have seen a life of commitment, dedication, patriotism and honesty. Mr President, you have done well for your country. Our nation has seen the difference, the leadership that you demonstrate.”
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, led other members of the President’s cabinet to presented a giant birthday card to the celebrant on his 80th birthday.
