By Stephen Simon
President Bola Tinubu, along with former heads of state and prominent political figures across party lines, has led a flood of tributes celebrating former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, on the occasion of his 70th birthday.
The platinum jubilee is being commemorated in Yola, Adamawa State, featuring the commissioning of a university library donated by Mustapha and a state banquet organized in his honor.
In an extensive tribute, President Tinubu described the former SGF as a “statesman and patriot with deep institutional memory,” praising his steady administration during his tenure as SGF from 2017 to 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
“Mustapha was the calm head and steady hand during some of the country’s most turbulent moments, particularly in his leadership of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19,” Tinubu stated, while also acknowledging Mustapha’s early political contributions during the June 12 struggle and the foundational coalition that formed the All Progressives Congress (APC).
A host of eminent elder statesmen and political leaders also issued goodwill messages:
General Yakubu Gowon (rtd): Commended Mustapha’s crisis-management stewardship during the COVID-19 pandemic, describing him as a bridge-builder defined by loyalty and integrity.
Chief Olusegun Obasanjo: Congratulated the former SGF on attaining 70 years with grace, noting his intention to physically attend the celebratory events in Yola.
Dr. Goodluck Jonathan: Praised Mustapha’s enduring contributions to national development, offering felicitations while expressing regret that extended international engagements in Kigali prevented his physical attendance.
Governor Dapo Abiodun & Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim: Commended Mustapha’s administrative excellence, professional integrity, and public service legacy across decades as a lawyer, businessman, and high-ranking public official.
The widespread felicitations from across Nigeria’s political spectrum underscore Mustapha’s standing as an administrative manager and political elder statesman.
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