Former Vice-president, Atiku Abubakar, has joined the club of Septuagenarians as he turns 70 on Friday, 25 November. President Muhammadu  Buhari  and Speaker Yakubu Dogara were among the first well-wishers to congratulate the former Customs officer who switched to politics where he has become a major force and factor.

The President said he was delighted to welcome Alhaji Abubakar “to the 70s club,” and prayed that Allah would grant him “many more years of good health and service to Nigeria.”

The President added: “Over the years, I have admired your courage and doggedness in defending your interests and your generosity in promoting education. The American University in Yola is one of your noble legacies, and my hope and wish is that it will endure,” adding that both himself and the former Vice President should be grateful to Allah, who has granted them grace to be in the 70s club.

The Speaker, House of Representatives , Yakubu Dogara, also felicitated with the former vice president.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media & Public Affairs Mr. Turaki Hassan in Abuja, the Speaker showered encomiums on the former Vice President describing him as a democrat, patriot and elder statesman.

“Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is an icon of democracy and one of those who struggled to enthrone democratic governance in Nigeria.

“We celebrate him as one of the greatest political leaders in Nigeria and a role model.

“We commend his unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of the Nigerian people through his philanthropic activities especially in helping thousands of the internally displaced persons in the North East recently.

“Atiku is one person who even at the height of the insurgency when people were running and closing their businesses he was establishing schools and manufacturing industries to provide jobs for our youths.

“As he clock 70 years we wish him God’s continuous guidance, protection and sound health to continue with his invaluable service to the nation and humanity in years come,” the statement said.