President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated elder statesman and founding Interim Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Abdukareem Adebisi Bamidele Akande, as he turns 78 years on January 16, 2017.
The President joined members of the APC, friends and immediate family of the eminent leader in celebrating the former Governor of Osun State, 1999-2003, who had meritoriously served as Deputy Governor of Oyo State, 1979-1983.
As one of the pillars of the opposition party that successfully ensured a round victory and smooth transition to unseat an incumbent president in 2015, the President said Chief Akande’s wisdom, sacrifices, patriotism and commitment to the unity and development of Nigeria would always be remembered by posterity.
He said Chief Akande is a strong and visionary leader, a reconciling voice, strategist and stabiliser that has paid up substantially in the enormous challenge of healing the ruling party, and the country.
The President also extolled the relentless efforts of the statesman in ensuring the entrenchment democracy in the country and the sustenance of the rule of law.
He prayed that the almighty God would grant Chief Akande longer life, more strength and wisdom to continue serving the country he loves, and humanity.
