By Anthonia Mbey, Lagos
The National leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu has called for more peaceful and united Nigeria as he marked his 69th birthday recently.
Drums were rolled out and interestingly the accomplished politician chose Kano State where a colloquium was held in his honour.
“This was not without a reason, “Why are we in Kano for this colloquium? Why? It is because there is a Fulani man, a herder man who gave his daughter to a family of Yoruba man, Dan Fulani, Dan Yoruba,” Tinubu was making allusion to the marriage of the daughter of the Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, to the son of the late ex Governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi.
The wedding took place in Kano in 2018. For Tinubu at this point, the marriage speaks volume; it demonstrates the unity between the Yoruba man and the Fulani man and by extension a symbol for national unity.
The former Governor of Lagos State however called for more peaceful and united Nigeria.
The Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari participated virtually described Tinubu as “a great man who has inspired many leaders and continues to nurture talents for the benefit of the country.”
He also acknowledged Tinubu’s role in the stability of the APC, and advocating good governance.
President Buhari reiterated the need for unity in the country.
The 12th colloquium, an intellectual gathering to commemorate Tinubu’s birthday was tagged: ‘Our Common Bond, Our Common Wealth: The Imperative of National Cohesion for Growth and Prosperity.
Other dignitaries who attended the event virtually include; the Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osibanjo, Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, Speaker House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila.