A former member of the House of Representives who represented Ife Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Hon. Rotimi Makinde has joined all the leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Nigerians as a whole in greeting the first interim chairman of APC and former Governor of Osun State, Chief Abdukareem Adebisi Akande CFR on his 87th birthday.
Chief Akande was born in Ila Orangun on 16 January 1939 in what is now the Osun Central Senatorial district.
While rejoicing with Chief Akande, the astute Ife-born politician in a statement which he personally signed and made available to newsmen on Thursday specially congratulated the octogenarian, his family and friends for the laudable achievements over the years, which threw him into the limelight at an early age, particularly highlighting his sacrifices in public service at both state and national levels.
As the first interim chairman of the APC, Makinde affirmed that the former Governor’s pivotal and visionary leadership prepared the party for history in 2015, which saw it unseating an incumbent president for the first time in an election in Nigeria.
The highly influential politician also extolled Chief Akande’s loyalty and faithfulness to the party and the cause of building a strong and unified nation, as he consistently challenges governments and leaders to higher ideals, and reminds them to think out of the box in meeting the needs of the poor and vulnerable in the society.
Makinde believes that the octogenarian’s good-nature, large heart and broad outlook on issues have impacted positively on party politics and democracy in Nigeria, praying that God will grant him longer life, strength and wisdom to serve more.
Hon. Makinde's tribute to Chief Akande reads in part“Chief Bisi Akande, a true democrat, has been a member of the progressive camp for many decades. He has been playing an active role in party politics and governance in Nigeria since the Second Republic. He is an advocate of good governance, restructuring, and true federalism in Nigeria.
“Baba Akande was an extraordinary public servant and administrator whose commitment to selfless public service remains a lesson for those of us currently in public office and those who aspire to be in public service.
“All through his long years of exemplary service and throughout the pro-democracy struggle, Chief Bisi Akande remained consistent and was a dependable leader and mentor of integrity. I rejoice with him on his 87th birthday. I wish him good health so we can continue to benefit from his deep knowledge and worthy example.” Makinde stated.
