By Uzor Odigbo
Former President of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday 17th December 2023 hosted some of his former cabinet members who had paid a surprise visit to him to felicitate with and pray for him, on the occasion of his 81st birthday, at his residence in Daura, Katsina State.
The birthday visit was led by his Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, CFR, accompanied by Abubakar Malami, SAN, CON, former Minister of Justice/AGF; Mu’azu Jaji Sambo, CON, former Minister of Transportation; Engr. Suleiman H. Adamu, CON, former Minister of Water Resources; Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, CON and others.
Former President who was visibly surprised and grateful, thanked his former cabinet members for taking out time to travel all the way to pay him such a visit on his birthday.
In a brief speech, Mr Boss Mustapha, while thanking him for his service to our great nation, eulogized the attributes of the former President.
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“Your Excellency sir, joining other cabinet members, we have come to pay a special homage on the occasion of your birthday. You are an incorruptible and exemplary leader. May the Almighty Allah bless you for all your efforts and service to our great Nation. You have certainly earned your place in history. Thank you for your exceptional leadership and dedication. May the Almighty Allah bless you for all your efforts and service to our great Nation,” he said.
He also noted that the former President looked well-relaxed and his skin glowed like a newborn.
The Cabinet members prayed for the former President, asking the Almighty God to keep him healthy and protect members of his household.
Responding to questions from journalists, Mr Boss Mustapha thanked God for the life of the former President, and stated that as former cabinet members, they were bound to honour him on such a special day, noting that President Muhammadu Buhari was a blessing to Nigeria. He said he was excited to see the President relaxed and glowing.
While fielding questions from journalists, the former Honourable Minister of Justice/AGF, Abubakar Malami, eulogized the former president. “President Muhammadu Buhari is indeed a blessing to Nigeria and the records are there. Such a great man deserves to be honoured, not only on his birthday but always” he said.
On his part, Mu’azu Jaji Sambo, CON, the former Minister of Transportation noted that he had been a strong admirer of President Muhammadu Buhari, as far back as the 1970s while in Secondary School in Maiduguri when the President served as the Military Governor of the then North Eastern State. “Little did I know that one day I would work so closely with this unique man of impeccable character” he said.
“President Muhammadu Buhari’s contribution to the development of our great nation, especially in infrastructure development and securing our maritime waters against piracy will not be forgotten in a hurry. He was an incorruptible leader and father of the nation indeed. He prayed that the Almighty Allah will sustain Baba Buhari in good health and grace him further with a long and fruitful life.”