What Tinubu said about Bode George at 80th birthday event in Lagos

…commends Chief Bode George for his invaluable counsel to his administration

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday puts politics aside to pour encomiums on Chief Olabode George, a chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Lagos.

The occasion was the 80th birthday celebration and public presentation of the memoir of George held in Lagos on Friday.

The President was represented at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume,

Speaking at the event, Tinubu acknowledged that he and Chief George have been on opposing sides of the political aisle since 1999.

But the President stressed that such differences have never diminished the mutual respect they share as leaders committed to Nigeria’s progress.

Tinubu also restated his belief in the enduring unity of Nigeria, affirming that while political actors may disagree vigorously, the values and ties that bind them as stakeholders of one nation remain far stronger than any partisan divide.

President Tinubu described the event as a celebration of a distinguished Nigerian, an elder statesman, and an accomplished public servant who has lived a full life of service to country and community.

He said Chief George’s invitation to him to share in the milestone reflects “the Nigerian and Lagos spirit, our shared humanity, history, kindred spirit, and good neighborliness’.”

Highlighting the broader message of national cohesion, President Tinubu underscored that despite heated political contests and divergent views, what unites Nigerians remains inviolable.

“The event of today has again demonstrated that, as politicians, we can shout and disagree. Still, the values that bind us together as members of the same household living in different rooms are more enduring and stronger than what divides us,” the President said.

He affirmed that since assuming office, Chief George has offered valuable counsel through his public interventions on national issues.

The President also celebrated Chief George’s remarkable journey to 80, describing it as a testimony to divine grace and personal resilience.

He expressed delight that the celebrant was marking the milestone in Lagos, his home state, recalling with humour Chief George’s past public declaration that he would go into exile if Tinubu ever became President.

“I pleaded with him that he would have a change of heart, because we would all remain in Nigeria and work together to achieve the peaceful and prosperous Nigeria that was our collective dream,” the President said.

On the newly launched memoir, President Tinubu noted that the work captures Chief George’s early years in Lagos, his military career, his tenure as Military Governor of old Ondo State, his stewardship at the Nigerian Ports Authority, and his role in party politics.

He expressed confidence that the book will offer invaluable lessons on leadership, public service, party politics, and military doctrine. The President pledged his support for the book launch and urged all attendees to do likewise by purchasing copies for personal use and for public institutions.

President Tinubu wished Chief George continued good health, strength, and many more years of service to God and humanity.