President Buhari celebrates Saraki on his 55th birthday

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday congratulated the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, on his 55th birthday.

This was confirmed in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, the President said he joined all members of the National Assembly, friends and family in celebrating Saraki.

He said the President of the Senate had made his mark on the political scene.

“The President believes that at 55, and having served as a two-term governor, senator and Senate President, Dr. Saraki, has demonstrated commitment in the pursuit of a prosperous, united and peaceful Nigeria.

“President Buhari prays that God Almighty will grant him more years of good health, wisdom and fulfilment in the service of God and country,” the statement read.

Also, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Land Transport, Gbenga Ashafa, sent out a warm message to felicitate with Saraki as he marked his 55th birthday on Tuesday.

Ashafa, who represents the Lagos East Senatorial District at the Senate, said, “Happy 55th birthday to your Excellency, the President of the Nigerian Senate @bukolasaraki.”

Ashafa, who also commended the leadership of the Senate under Saraki, said the Senate “has transformed into a more dynamic and vibrant institution in the service of the Nigerian people.”

Meanwhile, Saraki, his wife, Oluwatoyin, and the Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, were on Tuesday conspicuously absent at a special prayer for Saraki at 55.

The prayer was organised in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, by Saraki’s associates and supporters.

No reason was however given during the prayers for the absence of Saraki and his wife as well as Ahmed, who usually played the role of the chief host at such a ceremony.

But Saraki’s media aide, Yusuph Olaniyonu, informed one of our correspondents that the Senate President was not in Ilorin because the Senate resumed plenary and Saraki preferred national assignment to personal concern.

Also Ahmed’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Dr. Muyideen Akorede, in a text message said the governor did not attend the prayer so as not to negate Saraki’s preference for low key birthday celebration.

The Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Dr. Ali Ahmad, however, led dignitaries at the prayer.

He said Saraki had sustained the legacies of his late father, Olusola.

Source: ( Punch Newspaper )