President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with Senate President Ahmad Lawan on his 61st birthday.
Similarly, the governors of Nigeria’s northern States, under the aegis of the Northern Governors’ Forum, have equally congratulated the Senate President on his new age.
Buhari, in a statement by Malam Garba Shehu, his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, in Abuja on Sunday, joined the National Assembly and all members of All Progressives Congress in celebrating the milestone.
According to the president, the milestone has been lined with many years of contributions to Nigeria’s development, with fruitful years of lawmaking, starting from the House of Representatives in 1999.
Buhari extolled Lawan’s discipline, maturity and selflessness in always looking at the broader picture in decision making.
He affirmed that Lawan’s maturity had translated into the many achievements of the ninth assembly within a short period, including a harmonious relationship with the executive, which culminated into a return to the right budget cycle.
The President believed the Senate President’s rich experience as an administrator, educator and lawmaker would go a long way in shaping policies with direct impact on Nigerians.
Buhari prayed that God would continue to guide Lawan to provide strong leadership, and grant him longer life and good health.
The Northern Governors’ Forum in a message by its chairman, Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State, lauded Lawan for his imense contributions to the nation’s political development.
The statement was issued by Dr Makut Macham, Director of Press and Public Relations to the governor.
Lalong commended the senate president for his contributions to politics through his many years of service in the legislative arm.
The forum wished Lawan good health and God’s favour in the years ahead.
“You are one of the shining examples of the North as you have lived a life of patriotism and dedication.
“Promoting values of unity, peace and progress in your approach to crucial national issues, particularly in the legislature.
“We are happy that you are leading the National Assembly with dignity, commitment and integrity putting national interests above all other considerations,” the group said.
It expressed optimism that Lawan’s leadership in the ninth Senate would provide the much needed win-win synergy, necessary for a harmonious relationship with the Executive and the Judiciary.
It said the gesture would fast track the dividends of democracy to Nigerians.
The chairman assured the Senate President of the continuous support of the Northern Governors’ Forum and the people of the region.
The support, Lalong said, would help the Senate President to provide the needed legislations by the legislative arm to ease the lives of Nigerians and fast track development.
