Tinubu, leaders eulogise ex-APC Chair Bisi Akande at 85
Chief Bisi Akande
Jide Orintunsin, Abuja, Bolaji Ogundele, Abuja, Tony Akowe, Abuja and Sanni Onogu, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu have celebrated pioneer Interim National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande, on today’s celebration of his 85 birthday.
A statement yesterday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, reads: “With a heart full of joy and gratitude to God, President Bola Tinubu celebrates his long-time confidant, Chief Bisi Akande, as he marks his 85th birthday on January 16, 2024.
“Chief Akande, CFR, was the governor of Osun State from 1999 to 2003 and the first interim National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“President Tinubu extols Baba’s defining principles of integrity, loyalty, truth, and justice, recalling his exemplary leadership odyssey and selfless service to Nigeria.”
The statement added: “Baba was a principal actor in the founding of our great party, the All Progressives Congress. 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.”
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, the Senate said: “Sir, I am happy to identify with you and I can attest to your indelible contributions to the socio-political development of the country. As a statesman, you have always stood on the path of truth and justice, speaking truth to power.
“As a politician, you played a pioneering role in laying the foundation for the birth of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and indeed set standards in party politics and political engineering.”
In his congratulatory message, Speaker Abbas hailed Chief Akande for his roles as one of the founding fathers of the ruling party.
He noted that as an elder statesman, Chief Akande has been a political mentor to many and an inspiration to the ruling class.
Also, Deputy Speaker Kalu expressed gratitude to God for the grace of longevity He has given Pa Akande.
Kalu described Pa Akande as a great leader who has continued to pursue the unity and progress of Nigeria with zeal and zest.
Also, the ruling APC, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and former Youth and Sports Minister Sunday have poured encomiums on the former Osun State governor on his birthday.
The APC attributed its historic electoral victory in 2015 to the visionary leadership of Chief Akande.
A statement yesterday in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, reads: “The All Progressives Congress (APC) celebrates a founding visionary, interim National Chairman of our great party, and former Governor of Osun State, His Excellency, Chief Adebisi Akande, on his 85th birthday anniversary on January 16, 2024.
“We join 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.
“APC owes a debt of gratitude to Chief Akande for his invaluable contribution to the Party’s founding and for his leadership that laid the foundation for our massive and historic electoral victory in the 2015 general elections.
“A father figure, a unifier and a strident voice of reason, Chief Akande remains a stable and selfless promoter of peace and reconciliation among leaders and members of our great party.”
Also, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, Governor Sanwo-Olu described Chief Akande as an advocate of good governance and an epitome of true federalism.
“On behalf of my family, the government and the people of Lagos State, I congratulate our father, Baba Omo Kekeke (Father of Youths), Chief Bisi Akande, on his 85th birthday.
“Chief Bisi Akande, a true democrat, has been a member of the progressive camp for many decades. He has been playing active roles in party politics and governance in Nigeria since the Second Republic.
“He is an advocate of good governance, restructuring and true federalism in Nigeria.
“Baba Akande was an extraordinary public servant and administrator, whose commitment to selfless public service remains a lesson for those of us currently in public office and those who aspire to public service,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Also, Dare described Chief Akande as a foremost defender of democracy.
In a congratulatory message on his 85th birthday, Dare said: “As governor of Osun State, Baba served the public with great honour.
“He is a distinguished elder statesman, dedicated patriot, foremost defender of democracy and one of the greatest political minds of our time who always stood on the side of truth.
“Baba remains one of the few elders in Nigeria who have contributed immensely to the growth and development of the country.
“As a progressive leader, he and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, now Nigeria’s President and Commander-in-Chief, consistently led us through the crucible of the struggle and towards success and many great triumphs.”
The Nation Newspaper, Ltd.