Chuks Okocha in Abuja
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party presidential candidate in the last election, Mr. Peter Obi, Governor of Delta State, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and the lawmaker representing Kogi Central senatorial district, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, yesterday congratulated the former Vice President and presidential candidate of the party in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, on the occasion of his 77th birthday.
In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the party described Atiku as a quintessence of humility, a kind-hearted, humane, and people-focused leader; a forthright administrator and courageous statesman, who remains unwavering in his love and commitment towards Nigerians and the unity, stability and development of the nation.
According to Ologunagba, “Our party remains proud of Atiku Abubakar’s record of performance in the service of our nation, especially in bringing his capacity and competence to bear as the Chairman of the National Economic Council under the Obasanjo/Atiku-led PDP administration between 1999 and 2007, which achieved unprecedented national productivity in all sectors and grew the economy to become one of the fastest growing economies in the world.
“His role in the National Economic Council (NEC) is always recognised and celebrated for helping the administration achieve vast infrastructural development, massive employment and business opportunities among other initiatives that made the PDP years in government the Nigerian Golden Years.”
He said Nigerians across all persuasions recognised Atiku as the embodiment of national unity and hope for economic recovery and they demonstrated this in their overwhelming support and massive vote for him in the 2019 and 2023 presidential elections, which mandates were sadly subverted by suppressive and exploitative forces.
Also, Obi in a post on X, described Atiku as his elder brother and leader, commending him for his many contributions to the socio-political and economic development of Nigeria “and in particular your unique role in deepening our nation’s democracy”.
Obi wrote: “You have undoubtedly positively impacted the nation’s economic growth through your various business establishments which not only create jobs for our people but add to our overall national productivity.
“You have also through your educational institutions continued to add to the growth of education and man-power development in our country.
“In this field you have added tremendous value to all tiers of education through your investment in institutions at all levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. Your many scholarship awards to students have expanded opportunities to the indigent.
“You have contributed to pulling people out of poverty through your business establishments which not only create jobs for our people but add to our overall national productivity.”
Also, in a congratulatory message by the Delta State governor, through his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Sir Festus Ahon, the governor commended Atiku for his extraordinary political and economic endeavours that have contributed to the nation’s prosperity and togetherness.
The governor remarked that Atiku’s unwavering commitment to freeing Nigeria from the chains of underdevelopment and bad governance was admirable and deserving of praise.
According to Oborevwori, Atiku is still unquestionably a detribalised Nigerian and a unifier whose kindness has improved many lives by bridging socioeconomic class, party boundaries, gender, ethnicity, and religion.
The governor said: “On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I congratulate our great leader and former Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar (GCON), as he celebrates his 77th birthday anniversary.
“You have amply demonstrated what you preach by creating opportunities for people to make a living through your massive investments in education, agriculture, media, hospitality, water, and oil and gas and these have continued to add to our nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and poverty reduction in the country.
“As a generous benefactor and exceptional statesman, you dominated Nigeria’s political scene like a behemoth by garnering widespread support throughout the nation.
“As our beloved former vice president clocks 77 years old today, it is my prayer and that of all Deltans and Nigerians that God continues to strengthen him in his devotion to ensuring better peace, good governance, and long-lasting democracy in Nigeria and beyond”.
Similarly, Akpoti-Uduaghan hailed Atiku for his sterling leadership style, his contribution to the growth of Nigeria’s democracy, and his sacrifice for an ideal nation.
In a statement by Chief Press Secretary, the Kogi senator said: “It’s my great delight to join millions of Nigerians to celebrate His Excellency, Alh. Atiku Abubakar – an exceptional leader and elder statesman who remains committed to a united Nigeria through his remarkable contributions to the socio-political and economic development of our beloved country and in particular your unique role in deepening our nation’s democracy.
“Your unwavering advocacy for a new Nigeria that works for all has impacted many Nigerians over the years, especially your unrelenting sacrifice for our beloved country.
“May God grant you more wisdom to continue your good works and abundant life as you age gracefully. Happy birthday sir,” she said.
