President Muhammadu Buhari has joined members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in congratulating Chief John Odigie Oyegun on his 80th birthday, describing him as true example of a patriot and democrat.
President Buhari in a statement on Sunday congratulated Chief Oyegun on the milestone, which has been highlighted with memories of great achievements like turning a Permanent Secretary at the age of 30, winning a gubernatorial election in early 50s, and providing visionary leadership to unseat an incumbent government for the first time in Nigeria’s history.
The President said that the former chairman of All Nigeria’s Peoples Party (ANPP) and APC set a standard for consistency, honesty and integrity in Nigeria’s politics as he championed building of strong democratic institutions, and promoted the virtue of looking beyond elections and positions to growing and unifying the nation for posterity.
“As an active participant in Nigeria’s political development and governance for many years, President Buhari believes Chief Oyegun’s depth of wisdom, maturity, tolerance and penchant for always putting the interest of the nation above self should serve as a lesson to both old and younger political actors, that the greatest investment for building a nation is personal sacrifice,” the statement read.
The President rejoiced with family members, friends and associates of the former governor of Edo State as he turns an octogenarian, praying that God will give the elder statesman good health and strength to keep serving the nation and humanity.
