Yemi Osibanjo Is Running Mate Turned Friend – President Buhari

Yemi Osibanjo Is Running Mate Turned Friend – President Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has described his deputy, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, as a running mate, who later turned out as a friend.

Buhari, who is currently on an extended medical vacation in London, United Kingdom, congratulated Osinbajo on his Twitter handle.

He described him as a running mate turned friend.

“Sixty hearty cheers for @ProfOsinbajo, running mate turned partner in service to Nigeria; and friend. Happy Birthday, Professor!” the President wrote.

The President’s wife, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, also congratulated Osinbajo on her Facebook page.

She wrote, “On the occasion of the birthday of Your Excellency, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo SAN, Ag. President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I wish to extend my congratulations to you and to state that the years you have spent building your reputation in multiple capacities have today resulted in your ability to carry out your duties in line with the manifesto of the All Progressives Congress to ensure that a better Nigeria is realised.

“Congratulations and Happy Birthday Prof.”

The Acting President on Wednesday said he was happy and fulfilled on his 60th birthday.

Osinbajo spoke in a brief interview with State House correspondents shortly after he cut his birthday cake with ministers at the end of the weekly meeting of the Federal Executive Council at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He attributed his new age and other favours from God to what he called ‘the work of grace’.

He expressed appreciation to God for giving him the grace to serve the country.

Osinbajo said, “Frankly speaking, there is no difference between today and yesterday. It is really a work of grace.

“It is worth thanking God that one is 60 and one is in good health and that one is able to serve one’s country. I am happy and fulfilled. I am thankful to God.”

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, coordinated the cake-cutting session.

He commended Osinbajo on the way he had been carrying out his official duties, saying he was loyal to his principal and unassuming.

Ministers and other members of FEC had earlier treated Osinbajo to a birthday song when he arrived for the council’s weekly meeting at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

While the song was going on, the Acting President’s picture with the inscription, ‘Happy Birthday’, was displayed on the giant screen with smaller ones inside the hall.

At the end of the song, Osinbajo thanked the council members for their good wishes.

He prayed that the members who are below 60 would grow to become 60 while those already above 60 would grow to become 120.

Earlier, at his Akinola Aguda House, family members joined Osinbajo to cut his birthday cake and thank God for sparing his life.

He and his wife later sang a special thanksgiving song assisted by a pianist.

Meanwhile, the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has congratulated Osinbajo on his 60th birthday, saying his birthday had come at a momentous time this year.

He described Osinbajo as ‘a consummate team player who does not seek individual accolades but one, who without personal notoriety or fanfare, does his best to advance the policies and interests of the government in which you serve.”

Osinbajo has been acting as president since Buhari proceeded on leave to seek medical attention.

In a page statement released by Tinubu Media Office and personally signed by him, Tinubu said, “I congratulate Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, on his 60th birthday (on) March 8.

“We know that you will have little time to celebrate as your birthday comes at a momentous time this year. As the humble and selfless person you are, you shall be busy promoting the policy agenda of your principal and our President Muhammadu Buhari.

“You have been a faithful and dedicated lieutenant to our president. We wish you nothing but the best and congratulate your loyal service to him and to our beloved country.”