Bolaji Ogundele, Tony Akowe, Sanni Onogu, Abuja
THE All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday urged its first Interim National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, to help the party reconcile its aggrieved members.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Lanre Issa Onilu, the party congratulated the former Osun State governor on his 81st birthday.
It described Chief Akande as an astute administrator, father-figure, voice of reason, a grassroots politician.
“The APC has tasked Baba Akande and other members of the party’s recently-constituted National Reconciliation Committee to meet with aggrieved party leaders and bring lasting peace and reconciliation across party ranks. We count on Baba Akande to bring to bear his experience and goodwill in achieving the committee’s mandate.
“The APC family worldwide prays that the Almighty God grants Baba Akande good health, long life and wisdom as he continues to contribute to the growth of APC and our great country,” APC said.
APC also described Chief Akande as an exemplary elder statesman whose contributions to national development have impacted greatly on political development in the country.
Also, President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday poured encomiums on Akande for sustaining the good governance legacies of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
The President’s commendation to the former Osun State governor was contained in a statement yesterday in Abuja on Akande’s 81st birthday.
In the statement by his Special Adviser (SA) on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, the President noted that Chief Akande’s experience in public service and governance, offered through wise counsel, would continue to aid the nation’s development and progress.
“On the 81st birthday of the first Interim Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Abdukareem Adebisi Akande, President Muhammadu Buhari sends warm felicitations to the octogenarian, wishing him longer years, good health and more strength to keep serving the nation.
“The President joins all members of the governing party, government and people of Osun State, family and associates of the elder statesmen in celebrating the virtues of selflessness and sacrifice he consistently projects.
“President Buhari congratulates the former Governor of Osun State for upholding the philosophy of the great nationalist, former Premier of (defunct) Western Region and leader of Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), Chief Obafemi Awolowo, in advocating free education, health care and entrepreneurship, and following up with counselling of leaders on same path.
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“The President believes Chief Akande’s rich experience in public service and politics will go a long way in moving the nation forward through wise counsels and setting a good precedence in leadership. President Buhari prays for better days ahead for the party stalwart,” the statement said.
Senate President Ahmad Lawan rejoiced with the former Governor of Osun State for having led a blessed, healthy and fulfilled life.
In a statement by his media aide, Ola Awoniyi, the Senate President said: “I rejoice with this great Nigerian, elder statesman and one of the founding fathers of our great party and wish him more years of joy and good health.
“His record in public service and his entire life offer an example to younger generations of Nigerians in the great task of building a united, peaceful and progressive nation.”
The Osun State chapter of Yoruba socio-cultural political organisation, Afenifere, eulogised the former governor for his steadfastness in maintaining the omoluabi ethos and character in his leadership style.
In a joint statement by his erstwhile deputy, Sooko Adeleke Adewoyin and the state’s Afenifere Coordinator Lekan Usman, the group recalled that among his many legacies is the building of the imposing Osun State secretariat at Abere in Osogbo without borrowing any money.
“Indeed, Chief Akande, a man of principle and integrity, has laid the good foundation for any progressive governor in the state to follow,” the statement said.
Afenifere prayed for the elder statesman to celebrate more good years on earth in good health.
“He deserves all the best, and we doff our hats for him,” it said.
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