Tinubu, Obasanjo, Jonathan, Gowon celebrate Boss Mustapha @70
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Mr Boss Mustapha, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation(SGF), who turned 70 on Sept. 4.
In the congratulatory message he personally signed, Tinubu described him as “an exceptional leader, devoted public servant, patriot and a brother whose decades on earth have been defined by service, humility and an unwavering commitment to Nigeria”.
He recalled that Mustapha, as SGF during late President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure, was “the calm head and steady hand during some of our nation’s turbulent moments.
“From steering the Federal Executive Council to coordinating government policies and initiatives, he worked efficiently and effectively,” he said.
Tinubu particularly recalled that Mustapha, as Chairman of the Presidential Task Force, led Nigeria’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and helped save millions of lives.
“Mustapha discharged his duties in a way that made Nigeria a shining example in Africa and beyond, in combating that public health emergency.
“For this, our country must remain forever grateful.”
He said that Mustapha approached every task with diligence, integrity, and grace, even under pressure.
“He managed the complexities of government with tact, kept the machinery of state running, and earned the respect of colleagues across party lines.
“Beyond public office, he is a devoted family man, a community leader from Adamawa and a man of deep conviction.
“To me, he is a friend and brother with whom we navigated different political struggles, including the June 12 debacle.”
Tinubu recalled that Mustapha chaired the Adamawa chapter of the defunct Social Democratic Party(SDP), and was also the Deputy National Chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria(ACN), which teamed up with others to form the ruling All Progressive Congress.
“At 70, he leaves behind a legacy of quiet effectiveness and institutional memory that our country will draw from,” Tinubu said, and prayed for continued good health for the former SGF.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in a similar letter to Mustapha, congratulated him for “reaching this platinum jubileee with grace, good health, and a profound record of dedicated service to our fatherland”.
“As you step into this new decade of your life, I pray that Almighty God continues to bless you with rubost health, sound wisdom and renewed strength to keep contributing to our community and nation,” Obasanjo said.
In his congratulatory letter to Mustapha, former military head of state, retired Gen. Yakubu Gowon, said that the former SGF’s life “is a compelling testimony to excellence in public service and dedication to national development”.
He described Mustapha as “a bridge builder, who demonstrated loyalty, integrity and commitment when he served as SGF”.
He also praised Mustapha’s resilience when he served as Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19.
“You worked tirelessly with your team and succeeded in curtailing the spread of the virus thereby saving the lives of millions of Nigerians,” Gowon said.
Pince Dapo Abiodun, Ogun Governor, in a message to Mustapha, said that the former SGF’s career had been defined by exceptional accomplishments, patriotism, intellectual depth, administrative excellence and an unwavering commitment to public service and nation building.
“As a lawyer, businessman, politician and consummate administrator, you have distinguished yourself through decades of dedicated service to our dear nation.
“Your tenure as SGF was particularly remarkable as you brought to bear your wealth of experience, facilitating inter-ministerial collaboration and ensuring effective implementation of govt policies and programmes.
“Beyond the offices you occupied, your ensuring legacy lies in the integrity, professionalism and patriotic commitment with which you discharged every responsibility entrusted to you.
Former Pesident Goodluck Jonathan, in a message to the former SGF, noted that attaining 70 was “a milestone”.
“It is a testament to life of service, leadership and enduring contributions to the development of our great nation as evidenced by your service as SGF,” he said.
He prayed God to grant him continued good health, peace, strength and many more years of fulfilment.
On his part, former Senate President, Mr Pius Anyim Pius, declared that Mustapha’s
years of service, particularly as SGF, showed his depth of administrative experience, leadership capacity and a great understating of the complexities of governance.
“But, beyond that, your greatest legacy lies in the values you have consistently demonstrated which are discipline, humility, fear of God, patriotism, wisdom and an unwavering commitment to public good,” said.
Sen Ibikunle Amosun, in a congratulatory message, stated that Mustapha had had an eventful life, “distinguished by remarkable accomplishments as a seasoned lawyer, an astute administrator and a renowned politician”.
“You have demonstrated strength of character and competence in the service of our dear nation, most notably during your tenure as SGF,” he said.
Newsmen report that Boss Mustapha will mark the day with the inauguration of a library he donated to a university in Yola, Adamawa state.
He is also to be hosted to a state banquet by the Adamawa government.