President Buhari expresses appreciation for birthday messages

President, Muhammadu Buhari has expressed appreciation for the many cards and well-wishes he received for his 80th birthday.

He said, however, in a jocular manner, that his wish for a quiet day had been denied by the staff, adding, “I fixed the return journey from America on the day to avoid the celebration.”

Addressing Professor Ibrahim Gambari, the Chief of Staff, Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation and a handful of other personal staff who gathered at the Residence in the morning of Monday “To make the President’s birthday an occasion to remember,” President Buhari said a birthday is no more than just another day in the office.

In a fitting tribute on behalf of the personal staff, the Chief read aloud the card signed by them which states thus:

“On behalf of the entire staff of the personal staff and my own self, we say ‘Happy Birthday’ to a worthy leader, father of the nation and our own father.

“Your Excellency was a star at the recently concluded American-African Leaders Summit- recognition by your own peers and the leader of the international community.

“We are proud of Your Excellency and grateful for the opportunity to serve Your Excellency with respect and abiding loyalty.”

Similarly, the Guards Brigade of the Nigerian Army, responsible for the safety of the President also presented birthday gifts to the number one citizen on Monday.

The President participated in meetings and other duties throughout the working hours in the office.

It would be recalled that he had marked his 80th birthday on Saturday, December 17, in the US, while attending the US- Africa Leaders Summit before returning to Abuja on Sunday.