Buhari salutes Gov. Lalong at 60, lauds him for ”far sighted decisions”

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau as he marked  his 60th birthday, expressing gratitude for the immense affection shown to him by the governor and the people of Plateau.

The president made his feelings known in a statement by his spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, on Friday in Abuja.

“I express my special gratitude to  Lalong as he marks his landmark birthday. I thank you for the trust you have in our friendship.”

While lauding Lalong, who is also the Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum,  for the work he has done since taking oath of office and the decisions he has taken in the last eight years, Buhari said:

“These reflect his effectiveness as a leader. On matters of the security and wellbeing of the people, the governor is an example for the whole country.

”I believe a great future lies ahead for him.”

While wishing Lalong many happy years ahead, Buhari urged him to continue to bring convenience and respect to the people of his state.

In a similar development, President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Felix Onuah, one of the longest serving State House correspondents, on his 60^th birthday.

Onuah was first assigned to cover the State House in 1991 and since then has continued on the job for several media organisations.

In 32 years, he has had the rare privilege of reporting eight Heads of State and Government, from Dodan Barracks, Lagos to Aso Rock, Abuja, beginning from retired Gen. Ibrahim Babangida to President Buhari.

As a government that values the importance of press freedom and freedom of expression to democracy, the president commended the State House correspondent for Reuters World News Agency for maintaining a high standard of journalism over the years through objective and informed reporting, free from any political interference.

Buhari believed that the versatile journalist would continue with the remarkable legacy of delivering news about Nigeria and the seat of government with insight, integrity, balance and knowledge.

The President joined family, friends, colleagues and members of the State House Press Corps in wishing the veteran journalist with 36 years of experience more prosperous years in health and vitality.

(NAN)