No partying, says Buhari on 80th birthday, thanks well-wishers

President Muhammadu Buhari, on Monday, expressed appreciation to well-wishers on his 80th birthday anniversary.

According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, the President took the time to go through each of the birthday cards sent to him at the Presidential Villa.

He, however, in a jocular manner, said that his wish for a quiet day had been denied by the staff.

“I fixed the return journey from America on the day to avoid the celebration,” the President was quoted as saying.

Addressing Chief of Staff Prof Ibrahim Gambari; Secretary to the Government of the Federation Boss Mustapha and other personal staff who gathered in the morning “to make the President’s birthday an occasion to remember,” President Buhari said a birthday is no more than just another day in the office.

The Chief read aloud the card signed by them, which states: “On behalf of the entire staff of the personal staff and my own self, we say ‘Happy Birthday’ to a worthy leader, father of the nation and our own father.

“Your Excellency was a star at the recently-concluded American-African Leaders Summit- recognition by your own peers and the leader of the international community.

“We are proud of Your Excellency and grateful for the opportunity to serve Your Excellency with respect and abiding loyalty.”

President Buhari moved across the room, reading one card after the other.

He thereafter asked everyone to return to work.

“Back to Work,” he said, as he led the way to his office building.

(Nation)