Barely 21 hours ago, the president, General Muhammadu Buhari Rtd, had this to say about Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, “I salute his courage, resilience, selflessness and nobility in always placing the welfare and unity of the nation above self, backed with vision of a greater Nigeria through investments in people, institutions and governments, without minding tribe or creed.”

President Buhari who joined family members, friends, business and political associates in celebrating the septuagenarian,who has diligently and progressively risen on the nation’s political ladder since 1992, fighting for democratic rule against many odds, angling for people-focused development and supporting visionary and purposeful leadership.

As ASIWAJU’s Colloquium entered day two ( the D day for celebrations), Asiwaju, looking at the magnanimity of the tragedy that occurred on the train tracks between Kaduna and Abuja, decided to put a stop to the event to honor the souls of the dearly departed; another show of the selflessness that is typically Jagaban.

Another show of putting the country first before his birthday euphoria like President Buhari rightly said.

What is the point of celebrating while our fellow citizens are filled with tears and gnashing of teeth?

In his exact words he said “Today is supposed to be a very joyful 70th birthday of mine living on earth. I give thanks to God Almighty for being able to survive to this age”

I have just been informed of a very sad incident in our country, very sad indeed, that over 60 people and many more were killed and bombed on a train between Kaduna and Abuja just last night. That is a very serious incident about the security of lives in this country and it calls for a very serious sober reflection.

“For me to be here celebrating, dancing and enjoying myself doesn’t show enough concern of a statesman and a senior citizen of this country.

“This event should not be holding. I have consulted with the people you see around me here and they’ve agreed with me and being a very highly committed democrat, I have given myself to their suggestion that they agreed that this event be cancelled.

Again, here’s another testament to the selflessness of the human called Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

May God Repose Their Souls

Babajide Fadoju Specs