Al-makura@71: Governor Sule appreciates predecessor for touching lives of many

…..Visit will restore hope-Senator Al-makura

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, has appreciated his immediate predecessor, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-makura, for positively touching the lives of so many people.

Governor Sule made the appreciation when he joined Senator Al-makura at his residence in Abuja, to celebrate the former governor’s 71st birthday anniversary on Wednesday.

The Governor, relying on the teachings of Islam, said the best of lives are those lives that positively touched the lives of others, stressing that Senator Al-makura has positively touched the lives of many people explaining why it has become necessary to identify with him and celebrate with him.

He added that, the birthday celebration was an opportunity to appreciate the Almighty God.

“Our religion has really taught us that the best of lives are the lives that touch other lives. That is the life that everyone desire. So that you will be able to touch other lives positively.

“Indeed, for you to see this number of people here, that means you have touched the lives of these people one way or the other. I know there are so many people who have touched your life one way or the other but there are so many out there who have not even the opportunity to be here with you but who would have wished to be here with you because you have touched their lives positively.

“We are here on behalf of those people to join you in appreciating the Almighty Allah for giving you the good health, long life and today, we are wishing you more long life in good health and happiness,” Governor Sule stated.

The Governor thereafter presented a handcrafted birthday card coveying warm felicitation of the people and Government of NasarawaState, before joining his predecessor to cut the birthday cake.

He ended the visit by offering a prayer for God to give Senator Al-makura long live in good health and happiness.

“We thank you for touching our lives one way or the other. We thank you for being who you are, we thank you for the family that you have maintained, we thank you for the good name that you have maintained. And may the God Almighty continue to sustain that,” Governor Sule added.

In his response, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-makura, appreciated his successor for taking out time to celebrate with him on his 71st birthday anniversary, stressing that the visit will restore hope to a lot of people.

“I am so elated by your presence. Because this speaks volumes on our relationship. It has cleared so many things, it has given hope and excitement to a lot of people. And I believe this is an impetus to the greatest things that are likely to unfold sooner or later,” Al-makura stated.

The celebrant noted that the visit by his successor is something that will be appreciated by all his well wishers.

“I can’t thank you enough, the wonderful card, the beautiful cake and the beautiful faces that accompanied you, people that are very close to your heart.

“I believe this celebration, this visit is something that not only me, but everyone that wishes me well will be happy with it. I pray that Almighty God will reward you abundantly. I pray that the spirit of brotherhood, friendship, commitment, loyalty will see us to our next four years in Nasarawa State,” he added.

The former governor used the opportunity of the visit to pray for Governor Sule’s victory at the Court of Appeal, adding that for the judicial notice of the appeal to coincide with his birthday is a good omen.

“I pray that Almighty God will make the judgement that will come later to be a thing we will all rejoice and be happy for the sake of Nasarawa State. We pray that Almighty God will work it for us and pray that Almighty God will make everything possible that our dream will be realized,” he said.

In a vote of thanks, Hajiya Mairo Tanko Al-makura, appreciated Governor Sule and his entourage for the visit, adding that the family is highly honoured by the gesture. She also offered prayers for the success of the Governor at the Court of Appeal.

The birthday celebration was however cut short to allow Senator Al-makura join the first civilian governor of the state and immediate past national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Abdullahi Adamu for the duo to attend proceedings at the Court of Appeal.

Governor Sule was accompanied on the visit by his Deputy, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, Commissioner for Special Duties on Humanitarian Services and NGOs, Margaret Elayo, amongst others.