‘He remains within progressive fold’ — Tinubu celebrates Kwankwaso at 69

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Rabiu Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano, on his 69th birthday.

In a statement on Monday, Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, said Tinubu described Kwankwaso as an “influential politician”.

The president also said Kwankwaso has made notable contributions to national development through various leadership roles.

“He rejoices with Kwankwaso’s family, friends and political associates as they mark this special day,” the statement reads.

“The president acknowledges Kwankwaso’s invaluable services to the country in the various leadership positions he has held.

“As former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives in the aborted third republic, governor of Kano State for two terms, minister of defence and senator representing Kano central senatorial district, Kwankwaso has made his mark and contributed greatly to national development.

“President Tinubu affirms that the senator’s growing influence in the north, particularly in Kano State, highlights his pro-people politics, reminiscent of the politics of the late Mallam Aminu Kano and the late Alhaji Abubakar Rimi.

“Senator Kwankwaso remains a friend and ally with whom I served in the National Assembly in 1992 and later as governors in 1999.

“We also worked together in founding the All Progressives Congress. Although he later left the APC to establish the New Nigeria Peoples Party, it is noteworthy that he remains within the progressive fold.”

Tinubu also prayed for Kwankwaso’s good health and many more years of impactful service to the country.