Nigeria’s President, Buhari is 77 years old—official

Nigeria’s President, Buhari is 77 years old—official

Nigeria’s President, Buhari is 77 years old—official

 

Official sources have confirmed that Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari turned 77 years on Tuesday. “He was born on 17 December 1942”, official reports noted.

ALSO READ: Like Obasanjo, Buhari doesn’t know his real age

Although two years ago, Buhari said he was not sure of his age, Governors of northern states on Tuesday congratulated Buhari.

The Forum in a congratulatory message by its Chairman and Governor of Plateau, Simon Lalong, said “President Buhari had demonstrated unparalleled leadership skills, patriotism, integrity and courage in bringing change to Nigeria.”

Buhari said he was not sure about his date of birth. It is the same with Nigeria’s former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

When Nigeria’s Minister for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) paid Buhari a Christmas visit same period in 2017, the President made some confusing and controversial statement about his real age: “I am thinking I am 75. I thought I was 74 but I was told I am 75.

At Obasanjo’s 80th birthday in March, he confessed that he did not know his true age. Obasanjo said his illiterate mother only told him that he was born on an Ifo market day.

However, the two leaders who had held important public positions before they became presidents at different times submitted or attested to a birthday certificate, which, according to their testimonies now, are all false.

He said the quest to know his actual date of birth took him to an astrologer in India, and that even though he could not achieve his aim, the man told him that he would live long.

“I do not know the date of my birth, when I started school, we were asked to give our date of birth. I used to ask my mother, and she would say ‘You were born on Ifo Market Day’,” he said.

“All my mother, an illiterate woman, could remember was that it was an Ifo Market Day and before the people who went to the market returned, she had fallen into labour and I was delivered.”

Obasanjo said since he could not tell his age, he decided to choose a date after considering the age of his peers.

“I’ decided to choose a date. At least if I don’t the exact date of my birth, I know my age group,” he said

On Tuesday, the Northern Governors Forum (NGF) said: “The revival of the economy, industries, railways, agriculture and other sectors by the “Change Government” under your leadership has brought back confidence to the nation.

“You are putting the economy on the path of productivity and self sufficiency,” Mr Lalong said in a statement by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Simon Macham.

He said that the future of Nigeria is secured with the honest and transparent leadership of President Buhari.

The forum said Mr Buhari’s achievements in the fight against corruption meant that the world would continue to give the country its rightful place in the comity of nations

It assured the president of renewed loyalty and cooperation of Northern governors to his administration, assuring him of their prayers, support and goodwill as he leads the nation to the next level.

The governors wished the president long life, good health, God’s protection and wisdom. (NAN)

 

Editorial Chief, Nigerian Bureau

Kings UBA is a Nigerian journalist and writer. I have reported for major local and international news organisations. I write satire. In 2017, I started contributing stories primarily to Discover Africa News Network. I can be reached on editorkingsuba@gmail.com. I currently manage Discover Africa News social media handles