Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has congratulated former Vice-President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, on his 74th birth anniversary on Wednesday, November 25, 2020.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba, the Governor commended the former Vice President for his outstanding commitment to the unity and economic growth of the nation through his investments and activities, including always handy counseling on national issues.

He remarked that the towering role of Atiku, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential, Candidate in the 2019 elections, in the defence and promotion of democracy in Nigeria had remained enviable and inspirational.

Okowa recalled the former Vice-President’s “dexterity, sagacity, courage and penchant for democratic values and ethos as a devout democrat, when he fought numerous political and legal battles to advance the course of democracy in the country.”

He described the Wazirin Adamawa as a detribalised Nigerian whose benevolence had impacted many lives beyond tribe, religion, gender, social status and partisan frontiers.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I congratulate a great patriot and former Vice-President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, GCON, as he celebrates his 74th birth anniversary.

“As a great patriot and elder statesman, you have genuinely provided opportunities for people to utilize their potential and earn decent means of livelihood with your massive investments in education, agriculture, media, hospitality, water and oil and gas.

“You have made outstanding contributions to the growth of democracy in Nigeria and have remained steadfast in that direction, even when anti-democratic forces plotted against you on numerous occasions.

“Over the years, you have maintained a large, devoted and loyal followership and bestrode Nigeria’s political scene with stupendous capacity rooted in your famed generosity and large-heartedness.

“As our dear leader clocks 74 years today, it is my prayer and that of millions of Nigerians, that God will continue to strengthen him in his struggle for a better Nigeria,” Okowa said.

In a related development, the Delta State Governor felicitated with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, as he clocked 60 yesterday, Tuesday.

He in another statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Ifeajika, in Asaba, acknowledged the sacrifices of the army chief towards peace and progress of the nation.

Okowa said that under Buratai’s watch, there had been an improvement in army-civil relations in the country and urged him to continue in that trajectory.

He said that Buratai had ensured professionalism in the army, adding that the role of the military in the defence of the territorial integrity of the country could not be over-emphasised.

The Governor commended the army boss for the establishment of many army formations across the country, including the 63 Brigade Headquarters in Asaba, to strengthen the force's capacity for its constitutional mandate.

He said: “On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I congratulate a professional military officer and gentleman, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai, on the occasion of his 60th birth anniversary.

“With his core competences in strong leadership and execution skills, Gen. Buratai has brought his wealth of experience to bear on the leadership of the Nigerian Army, especially in the war against terrorism and insurgency.

“He has had remarkable years working very hard for the people of Nigeria, especially in the Nigerian Army where he rose through the ranks to become Chief of Army Staff in 2015.

“Over the years, you have by dint of hard work and discipline, established yourself with an unblemished leadership style laced with team-player spirit and this has endeared you to the men and officers of the Nigerian Army.

“As you turned 60, your family and indeed, your colleagues in the army and admirers have cause to be grateful to Almighty God for having granted you a life of great accomplishments and abiding fulfillment.”