Buhari salutes Speaker Gbajabiamila at 60

The President in a congratulatory message by his spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, on Friday in Abuja sent greetings to the family, friends and associates of the political leader, whom he described as “patriotic, honest and deserves respect’’.

In the message, the president said: ”I have observed the speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila for a long time, in the sense that when I was watching debates in the house of representatives he used to be on his feet most of the time, passionately defending the party and issues he believed in.

“He impressed me very early as a committed member of the house of representatives and I congratulate his constituency for keeping him there. I was very pleased that he eventually became the leader of the house.

“I am so impressed and pleased with the performance of the speaker and the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan.

”At a certain stage, I called them and told them that I did not speak to them about what was happening in the National Assembly because I have so much confidence in them.

“Our party, APC, has majority in both the senate and the house of representatives. I know both of them and endorse their leadership so I should leave them alone to do their job.

“I wish Femi Gbajabiamila the best of luck and hope his constituency will maintain the confidence in him because he is a patriotic and honest person. I have a lot of respect for him.’’

The President prayed that the almighty God would grant the speaker, believed to be the second longest-serving member of the house of representatives, long life, good health and wisdom to keep serving the country.

(NAN)