Former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has congratulated former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on his 79th birthday, praising him for a lifetime of service and dedication to Nigeria’s democratic development.
Amaechi, in a goodwill message, said he was joining millions of Nigerians at home and abroad to celebrate the elder statesman, describing Atiku’s birthday as a recognition of a national figure whose actions have helped shape Nigeria’s political landscape.
He noted that Atiku’s journey—from his early career in the Nigerian Customs Service to his key role in forging democratic alliances in the 1980s and 1990s—helped build the foundation of the Fourth Republic. According to him, many of the political institutions and structures Nigeria operates today were influenced by the partnerships Atiku cultivated during the nation’s transitional periods.
Recalling Atiku’s tenure as Vice President between 1999 and 2007, Amaechi highlighted the economic and institutional reforms championed under his leadership, saying they opened Nigeria to global investment and expanded opportunities for millions of citizens. He added that the enduring impact of those reforms continues to shape national institutions and development efforts.
Amaechi also commended the former Vice President for his unwavering commitment to democratic values despite numerous challenges over the years, noting that Atiku has remained vocal and engaged in national discourse, consistently advocating reforms and promoting the idea of a better Nigeria.
“As we celebrate your lifelong legacy of service to the nation, my family and I pray that the Almighty grants you good health, clarity, and the grace to continue contributing to the progress of our country,” Amaechi said.
He ended his message with a prayer in Hausa: “Allah ya kara maka lafiya da hikima.”
