President Bola Tinubu and Senator Abu Ibrahim
By DAVID IORJA, Abuja-
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to his longtime friend and political ally, Senator Abu Ibrahim, as the veteran lawmaker marks his 80th birthday, describing him as “a brother, a principled statesman, and a trusted ally whose loyalty and service to Nigeria have inspired many.”
In a heartfelt message released by the State House on Monday, President Tinubu recalled their enduring friendship and shared political journey that began more than three decades ago.
> “Abu has been more than a friend. He is my brother. Since we first met in the Senate chambers in 1992, during the aborted Third Republic, our friendship has only grown deeper and stronger,”
the President said.
Tinubu recounted how their paths first crossed when Senator Ibrahim represented Katsina South Senatorial District under the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC), while Tinubu served Lagos West Senatorial District under the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
> “Our friendship and political partnership, rooted in shared ideals of justice, good governance, and democratic advancement, have always transcended party lines and were blind to political leanings,”
he added.
The President praised Senator Ibrahim’s unwavering commitment to democratic values, progressive politics, and nation-building, describing these as defining qualities of his public life.
Tinubu also reflected on their shared experience during the turbulent years of military dictatorship, lauding Ibrahim’s courage and solidarity during the struggle to restore democracy after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election.
> “Like me and other like minds, he fearlessly stood up against the military junta. He stood in the line of fire when, after the annulment of the June 12 election in 1993, we reconvened the Senate in Lagos… Our defiance earned us police detention for weeks,”
Tinubu recalled.
> “When the authorities released him and left the rest of us in the cell, Abu refused to leave, insisting that all of us be released together,”
he added.
The President commended Senator Ibrahim’s political achievements, noting his re-election to the Senate in 2003 and 2011, and his instrumental role in the formation and consolidation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013.
> “Within the APC, Abu’s consistent advocacy for peace and national unity is noteworthy,”
Tinubu said.
Acknowledging Ibrahim’s steadfast support during his 2023 presidential campaign and his continued contributions to governance, Tinubu said the elder statesman remains a pillar of counsel in the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
> “As a patriot, Abu has lived a life of dedication to public service and the pursuit of a greater Nigeria. He supported my aspirations to be President in 2023 and joined me on the campaign trail across the country,”
Tinubu stated.
> “Since the beginning of our administration on May 29, 2023, Abu has continued to provide invaluable support and ideas for the successful implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
In closing, President Tinubu offered prayers for the octogenarian’s continued health and strength.
> “I join his family, friends, and associates in praying for many more years of good health and renewed strength for Senator Ibrahim, so that he may continue his laudable service to the nation and humanity,”
he said.
