Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has congratulated former Lagos State Governor and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on his 67th birthday celebration.

The Governor, in a personal tribute to Asiwaju Tinubu on Thursday, described him as the leading light of progressive politics in the country, a fact which he said critics of the APC leader usually acknowledge.

Fayemi, who recalled his working relationship with the former NADECO chieftain, said Asiwaju Tinubu remained a dependable, reliable and passionate leader, whose record of grooming successful disciples is unmatchable.

Fayemi said: “I celebrate you today as always because you have been a reliable, dependable and passionate leader. The hallmark of a great leader is not measured in castles and materials, but in his ability to groom and lead successful disciples.

“Like a colossus in the jungle of life, your ability to identify, nurture and engage talents is unequalled.

“Your life has been a testimony of human capital development in an unrelenting struggle for a better life. Even your political detractors secretly admire your courage, vibrancy, intelligence, ebullience, kind-heartedness, warmth and sagacity.

“I will forever cherish the memory of our struggles for the enthronement and sustenance of democracy and good governance in Nigeria. Your infectious smile, as we have witnessed together on a number of occasions, is disarming. You have, over the years, succeeded in constantly reinventing yourself as a leading light of progressive politics.

“You mean different things to different people. To some, you are a patriotic politician, while to others, you are a political strategist who loves challenging the powers-that-be as a result of your passion and desire to see that your people are not deprived of their rights at any time.

“You might not be the darling of all, but you have carved a niche for yourself in the political history of Nigeria. May providence reward your labour of love with long life in good health, unspeakable joy and everlasting bliss.

“On behalf of the government and good people of Ekiti State, I wish you the best of what your new year can offer. Above all, I wish you many more useful and productive years.”

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