Nigerians on Friday congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari on his 74th birthday on Saturday (today) and his daughter’s wedding, but they also lamented the hard times, hunger and suffering in the land.Zahra, the President’s daughter, got married to Ahmed Indimi, the son of a multi-billionaire oil tycoon, Mohammed Indimi, on Friday.
While prominent Nigerians, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Yakubu Dogara and Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah, rejoiced with the President and prayed for his good health, many people went to the facebook account of the First Lady, Aisha, and other social media platforms, to draw the President’s attention to hunger, suffering and hard times in the land.
In his birthday message to the President, Dogara described Buhari’s leadership as “divine,” adding that Nigerians have confidence in him to lead the country to prosperity.
Dogara’s wishes were contained in a message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Turaki Hassan, on Friday.
Also, in a statement by Enelamah’s Communications Adviser, Constance Ikokwu, the minister said, “As you celebrate your birthday, we rejoice with you. We also join you to thank God for the gift of life. We pray for good health today and always. Happy Birthday!”
But, congratulating the family and lamenting about the harsh economy, a Facebook user, Kingsley Obinna Nwafor, said, “Aisha, you’re a good woman. I love you for being a real and truthful woman. But please, tell your husband that we’re dying of hunger. I would appreciate if he could do something about it.
“We’re no more asking him to improve the situation of Nigeria, but only to return it to the situation where it was when (former President Goodluck) Jonathan handed over to him. I know you’re a mother and you can feel the pains of your children. Nevertheless, happy married life to your daughter. Enjoy while we’re crying, no problem, there’s God. Allah sees us all.”
Also, a Twitter user, Velvet with the handle @lavenderhse, said, “May the wedding of Zahra and Ahmed end the hardship and suffering of Nigerians (and) create jobs for the unemployed youths. Amen!”
Another Twitter user, Vegas Lukson, with the handle @DavidLucky26, tweeted to Mrs. Buhari, saying, “Please tell your husband to bring back our economy.”
Enelamah’s counterpart in the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige, described the President as a patriot who spent his youthful days fighting for the unity of Nigeria.
A former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, in a goodwill message on his twitter handle @Atiku, said, “Happy birthday, Mr. President @MBuhari. I wish you more wisdom and strength as you continue running the affairs of our dear nation.”
Zahra Buhari and her husband
Also, a former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, on Friday congratulated Buhari on his 74th birthday and on the occasion of his daughter’s wedding.
In a statement from his Media Adviser, Mr. Ikechukwu Eze, the former president said, “On the occasion of your 74th birthday, I write to congratulate and felicitate with you. I pray that this day meets you well and that there shall be many happy returns.
“I also use this opportunity to congratulate you once more as your daughter, Zarah, is given away in marriage to Ahmed Indimi.
“May God bless this union and may it bring joy to the couple and their families. Always wishing you the best.”
The President had on Friday hosted dignitaries to a lunch as part of the programmes for his daughter’s wedding.
The lunch, which was attended by top government officials, state governors, captains of industry, members of the diplomatic corps and chieftains of the All Progressives Congress, was held inside the old Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
It was held shortly after the Nikai, which was held inside the National Mosque, Abuja.
Factional Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Ali Modu Sheriff, a former Vice-President, AAli Modu Sheriff, a former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, and another former Vice-President, Namadi Sambo, attended the Nikai.
Journalists were asked to excuse them at the lunch which was said to be strictly private.
Other dignitaries in attendance included former Chairman of the Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan; Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo; President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki; Dogara; National Chairman of the APC, John Odigie-Oyegun; a former national chairman of the party, Chief Bisi Akande, and a national leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
Others included Mr. Femi Otedola, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Mr. Jim Ovia, members of the Federal Executive Council and some members of the National Assembly.
Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, was the only state governor belonging to the Peoples Democratic Party at the lunch.
Congratulating the President on his birthday and his daughter’s wedding, a former commissioner, Lagos Police Command, Abubakar Tsav, said, “I wish Mr. President happy birthday, sound health and many more years. I also wish his daughter, Zahra, happy married life.”
Also, the Oluwo of Iwo, Osun State, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Akanbi, congratulated the President on his birthday and his daughter’s wedding.
He said, “Greetings to the President. The whole of Iwoland is wishing him and his daughter all the best. For now, he’s the best President this country has ever produced because of his anti-corruption war.”
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