Tinubu greets Senator Abu Ibrahim at 80

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extolled the virtues of his longtime friend and ally, Senator Abu Ibrahim.

The President described him as a “principled statesman and trusted ally whose wisdom, loyalty, and service to Nigeria have inspired many”.

In a heartfelt tribute to mark Senator Ibrahim’s 80th birthday today, President Tinubu said the former lawmaker’s enduring commitment to democracy, progressive politics, and national unity has left a lasting imprint on Nigeria’s political landscape.

“Abu has been more than a friend. He is my brother,” the President said, recalling their first encounter in the Senate chambers in 1992 during the aborted Third Republic.

Tinubu, then representing Lagos West, served under the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP), while Ibrahim represented Katsina South under the National Republican Convention (NRC).

The President noted that their friendship and political partnership, anchored on shared ideals of justice, good governance, and democratic advancement, had always transcended political affiliations.

Commending Senator Ibrahim’s courage during the struggle for democracy, President Tinubu recounted their joint resistance against military rule following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

“He stood in the line of fire when we reconvened the Senate in Lagos to condemn the criminal annulment. Our defiance earned us weeks in detention. When the authorities released him and left the rest of us, Abu refused to leave, insisting we all be freed together,” the President wrote.

President Tinubu also highlighted Senator Ibrahim’s re-election to the Senate in 2003 and 2011, crediting it to his democratic credentials and service to his Katsina South constituents.

He acknowledged Ibrahim’s pivotal role in the formation and consolidation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013 and his consistent advocacy for peace and national unity within the party.

“As a patriot, Abu has lived a life of dedication to public service and the pursuit of a greater Nigeria,” the President said, adding that Ibrahim’s support during the 2023 presidential campaign and continued counsel since the advent of the Renewed Hope administration remain invaluable.

President Tinubu prayed to God for the celebrant’s good health and strength to continue his service to the nation, describing his life as one of steadfast loyalty, courage, and uncommon patriotism.

Source: The Nation