Governor Adams Oshiomhole has congratulated the Emir of Zaria, HRH Alhaji Shehu Idris on his 40th coronation anniversary.
He also felicitated with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Aminu Tambuwal on his 49th birthday.
In a letter to the Royal father, Oshiomhole said: “I heartily write on behalf of the Government and the good people of Edo State to pay tribute and celebrate with Your Royal Highness on this momentous occasion of your landmark 40th coronation anniversary, as Emir of Zazzau.
“Under Your Royal Highness’s glorious reign, Zazzau Emirate witnessed phenomenal socio-economic, political, educational and cultural advancement and, more than at any time in its history affirmed its status, as a world-renowned Emirate, centre of learning and scholarship, and a home for all Nigerians.
“Despite the fast changing Nigeria’s developmental trajectory, it is significant that Your Royal Highness has remained a veritable bridge builder and a stabilizing force across the generational, religious, regional and inter-continental divides, which further affirmed your enduring relevance and the respect you command amongst your subjects and non-subjects alike.
“I can testify as someone who could proudly call himself your subject, having lived in Kaduna for most of my adult life, that Your Royal Highness’ reign has provided a unifying and rallying point for all Nigerians, irrespective of their religious or ethnic background and we cannot appreciate you enough for truly being the father of all.
“As embodiment of wisdom and public spiritedness, Your Royal Highness has continued to inspire millions, as a reference point in service to the Community. Your equally outstanding contributions to nation building and the promotion of peaceful co-existence within and beyond the Zazzau Emirate, have firmly secured for Your Royal Highness a special place in posterity.”
To the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Oshiomhole said “it is significant that at such a young age you have chosen the path less travelled and accordingly re-defined the Nigerian political landscape by your uncommon courage, discipline, selflessness and patriotism. This is evident in your unequivocal identification with the hopes and aspiration of Nigerian people, in our quest to build a more just, fair and democratic nation. It is no longer in contention that by dint of hard work, honesty and humility you have raised the bar in political representation and parliamentary governance.
“It is also worthy of note that you have stood as a bright spot in the Nigerian political firmament, a beacon of hope and a symbol of what an ideal politician should be. All patriotic Nigerians appreciate the quality of leadership you have provided, as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, which no doubt will go down in Nigeria’s legislative history, as a watershed in entrenching democratic values and constitutionalism in the Nigerian polity.
“As we all reflect on the significance of this day, it is quite apposite to say that everything points to a future of immense possibilities for your good self, the people of Sokoto State and the nation at large, as you get set to assume the mantle of leadership in a new capacity, as Governor of Sokoto State.”