Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has lauded the contributions of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to the development of democracy in the country.
In a letter to the ACN leader, Governor Oshiomhole said: “It gives me great delight to join millions of Nigerians to felicitate with the Asiwaju on the special occasion of your 60th birthday. We thank Allah SWT for your life and for all the good it has wished Him to do for our people through your unrelenting contributions and sacrifices, spanning over twenty-five years of active service.
“Your 60th birthday is an opportunity for the Nigerian nation to celebrate you as an icon of democracy and a patriotic statesman of the deepest vintage.
“The imprints you have made on popular democratic struggles in the last two decades have been unmistakable. Particularly noteworthy was your leading role in the national offensive against the Military Regime of General Sani Abacha.
“Even while you had to proceed on exile out of a clear danger to your life, the Asiwaju never relented in strengthening the democratic process at home. With other activists, you mobilized and coordinated an effective global offensive that deepened the international isolation of the Regime.
“Subsequently, as a Governor, you not only redefined the governance and politics of Lagos State, but you also impacted qualitatively on the wider polity. Under your versatile and creative leadership, Lagos State became a positive reference in good governance in the Fourth Republic.
“Asiwaju the Governor doubled effectively as an activist and reformer. Through your unrelenting activism, including a series of litigation, the Fourth Republic has witnessed a healthy expansion of the fiscal and administrative latitude enjoyed by the States as a tier of Government. Indeed, you have done more than anyone in the recent times to combat the entrenched unitary structure of our polity.
“Today, the gains of your titanic struggle for genuine federalism are evident and enduring. Notable among these are the Local Governments you created. In addition, other States now administer additional taxes, a relief that was secured from the Supreme Court of Nigeria by your Administration. In Edo State, we have enacted a Sales Tax Law, a dividend of the Asiwaju’s struggle for wider fiscal latitude for the States.
“I appreciated Asiwaju even more during my travails after I had been rigged out of the 2007 Gubernatorial Elections. More important than your goodwill and material assistance was your inspiring encouragement.
“I join your family as well as political associates and disciples all over the nation and the world to celebrate a tested and trusted leader, an outstanding statesman, a true patriot, a committed nationalist, a first-class administrator, a veteran in the struggle for genuine federalism, social justice and democracy, a sterling political strategist and a brilliant tactician.
“This is wishing you a happy birthday, excellent health and many more years of service to Nigeria and humanity.”