Former Nigerian President, General Muhammadu Buhari, has paid glowing tribute to former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi, as he celebrates his 60th birthday.
In a statement marking the occasion, Buhari described Fayemi as a “one-of-a-kind public figure” whose contributions to Nigeria’s democracy and governance remain exemplary.
“The occasion of his birth anniversary is an opportunity to pay homage to our beloved friend and colleague, John Kayode Fayemi, as he attains the ripe age of 60,” Buhari stated.
He praised Fayemi’s role in uniting Nigeria’s opposition parties into the All Progressives Congress (APC), which achieved a historic victory in the 2015 presidential election, leading to the first democratic ousting of a ruling party.
Fayemi, Buhari recalled, was instrumental in shaping the party’s policies and played a crucial role in his own emergence as Nigeria’s president.
Buhari also lauded Fayemi’s commitment to democratic principles, recalling his involvement in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) and other pro-democracy movements.
“His contributions to the presidential campaign, both as its director of policy and as a key figure in the struggle for the entrenchment of democracy in Nigeria, will continue to be remembered,” Buhari said.
The former president commended Fayemi’s resilience in leadership, particularly his ability to reclaim the Ekiti governorship in 2018 after losing his first term bid in 2014.
“When he lost the governorship election in 2014, he never carried any trace of bitterness against party men who worked against him or those in the opposition. Instead, he recalibrated and returned stronger, winning back the trust of the people,” he noted.
Buhari described Fayemi as a leader of great character, whose passion for national development and welfare of the people stands out. He wished him a long life in good health and continuous service to the nation.
“May the Almighty Lord grant him a long life in good health and keep him for his family, friends, and the nation. Happy Birthday and many happy returns,” Buhari concluded.
Fayemi, a former Minister of Mines and Steel Development, has been a key figure in Nigeria’s democratic evolution and governance, with his leadership extending beyond Ekiti State to national and international engagements.
