Buhari, Tinubu congratulate Gowon at 85

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated for head of state, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, on his 85th birthday, today, describing him as a living legend and symbol of national unity.In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, yesterday, the President commended Gowon’s visionary leadership style, wisdom and disciplined outlook, even as Nigeria’s youngest leader since independence, which he added kept the country as one.

While extolling the former head of state for his faith and steadfastness in God in times of adversity and for courageously pursuing the interest of majority Nigerians for a unified and stronger country.

The President said the elder statesman laid a solid foundation for the country to thrive, with the creation of federating units and implementation of futuristic policies, such as the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) that has consistency served the purpose of fostering unity, harmony and expanding the horizons of young Nigerians for life-time opportunities.

He also commended Gowon’s simplicity and humility, leaving the highest position in the country to return to school for further studies, and returning to provide wise counsels to leaders and encouraging good governance.

In the same vein, a former Lagos State governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, in a statement by his Media Office described Gowon as a statesman who contributed immensely to nation-building.He said: “Nigeria owes Gowon a debt of gratitude for his efforts at resolving ethnic tensions that threatened to fatally divide the country and for his continued and untiring efforts at building One Nigeria.

“It’s on record that after the civil war, Gowon propounded the ‘No Victor, No Vanquished’ policy aimed at bringing about national reconciliation, which thrives on his personal influence.“He has not looked back since then. He has not relented in his efforts geared towards forging national integration, even at this advanced age. Gowon has continued with the task of engendering peace and unity in the land with the ‘Nigeria Prays’ project.”