Buhari, APC govs, others eulogise Ganduje at 72

Encomiums poured in on Saturday in celebration of Kano State Governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who turned 72 years.

Born in 1949 in Ganduje village of Dawakin Tofa Local Government of Kano state, the celebrant was sworn in as Kano State governor on May 29, 2015, and was re-elected for a second term in 2019.

• FCT imposes restriction on worship places, bans parties, night club
• Electoral amendment bill: Dead on arrival?

He had earlier served as deputy governor for eight years, between 1999 and 2003, and between 2011 and 2015.

Buhari congratulates Ganduje at 72 

President Muhammadu Buhari while congratulating the governor in a statement issued by his media aide, Garba Shehu, described him as an effective administrator who had written new chapters in development, peace and security in Kano State.

“I wish you good health and long life as you continue to serve the State and the nation with your well-known commitment to peace, security and development.

“Kano State is making steady progress under the APC administration. I pray for your long life and good health,” said the president.

Ganduje: A politics’ shining light – APC governors

The Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) yesterday described Ganduje as Nigeria’s politics shining light as he celebrates his 72nd birthday.

Governor Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi State and Chairman of the forum said this in a statement while felicitating with his Kano State counterpart.

Bagudu rejoiced with Ganduje, saying that he was a leader with vision and commitment to a united and prosperous Nigeria.

He reaffirmed the Forum’s commitment to implementing programmes that would strengthen the capacities of progressive states to create jobs, stimulate economic activity, reduce inequality and diminish poverty.

“The PGF joins Abdullahi Ganduje, governor of Kano State, to celebrate his 72nd birthday.

“Along with the people of Kano State, and other well-meaning Nigerians, we celebrate this special occasion with you and your family.

“We, in particular, wish to acknowledge and commend your leadership, vision and commitment to a united prosperous Nigeria, under the leadership of our party, the APC.

“We acknowledge your contributions to our team of Progressive Governors through your insightful and resolute inputs to the processes of managing governance in Kano State as well as at the national level,” he stated.

The PGF chairman noted that as governor of Kano State, through all the development initiatives being implemented by the APC-led government, Ganduje had remained a true leader.

He has done us proud with his achievements in Kano –APC caretaker chairman, Buni

Similarly, the APC Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee national Chairman and Yobe state Governor, Mai Mala Buni, said Ganduje had done the party proud with his laudable achievements in Kano State in six years.

Buni in a congratulatory message said, “As party, we are proud of Governor Ganduje’s many and laudable achievements which had bettered the lives of residents and developed Kano state.

“The party and all members join our family, friends and associates in celebration of a committed democrat and progressive.

“I pray Allah blesses you with many more years, abundant good health, strength and wisdom in service to humanity,” Buni added.

We are tapping from his wisdom, charisma – Kano federal lawmakers

Also, the 24 members of the House of Representatives from Kano state said they are also tapping from Ganuduje’s wealth of experiences, wisdom and charisma.

According to them, “We say without fear of any contradiction that these years, are marked by achievements, wisdom and charisma, some of the attributes of yours which we are tapping from”,

Ganduje astute, formidable politician – Kano APC

On its part, the Kano state APC faction of the governor, led by Abdullahi Abbas, described Ganduje as astute and formidable politician.

“As an astute and formidable politician of high repute, recognition and standing in the Nigerian contemporary politics, your pedigree is indeed vey remarkable and undoubtedly becoming invaluable and necessary ingredient for the continued success of our great party, locally and nationally,” a statement from the party reads.

He’s media-friendly, gave access to press freedom – Garba

On his part, the state Commissioner for Infromation, Malam Muhammd Garba said, “Since assumption of office, His Excellency’s media-friendly disposition has not only guaranteed freedom of the press, but also ensures moral, legal and institutional support for journalists to practice without any form of harassment,” Garba added.

“His Excellency deserves to be celebrated for providing purposeful, courageous and result-oreinted leadership in nearly seven years.

Others who sent their congratulatory messages to the Governor include the Kano APC Elders Forum, the Majority Leader of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Alhasan Ado Doguwa, member representing Rano/Kibiya/Bunkure federal constituency from Kano state, Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, Kano State Commissioner for Local Government, Murtala Sule Garo and Takai, Karaye, Bagwai and Kano Municipal Local Government Chairmen among others.

Others include Kano Urban Planning Develoment Agency (KNUPDA), Arc. Suleiman Ahmed Abdulwahab and the Kano state chapter of Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON).