Buhari salutes Mamman Daura at 81, says he is among our worthiest gentlemen

By Egena Sunday Ode

President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with Malam Mamman Daura on the occasion of his 81st birthday, describing him as “a dedicated public servant, consummate administrator, and one of our worthiest gentlemen who is widely misunderstood by so many.”

A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shebu quoted Buhari to have said on the occasion that “Mamman Daura is a thoroughbred public administrator with an all rounded knowledge and experience in life and government.”

He added: “it’s impossible to sit down with Daura without gaining from his vast experience, knowledge and wisdom.”

The statement said President noted that “among Daura’s unappreciated virtues are his humility, compassion and zeal to provide mentoring to many who are privileged to be with him or close to him.”

President Buhari, who also described Daura as “a veteran of Nigeria’s political history and active participant in its development,” said that “the revered journalist and public administrator is needlessly misunderstood.”

He added that “Daura’s experience is not unusual because many great men are not appreciated, which stems from the cynical obsession of many of his critics.”

Buhari advised Nigerians “to be just and fair-minded in the assessment of public figures like Mamman Daura whose contributions to the development of the country overshadow perceived flaws,” the statement said.

“As you celebrate the ripe age of 81, may Allah bless you with better health and longer life in the service of Nigeria and mankind. You are a fountain of inspiration and an inexhaustible reservoir of knowledge. We are proud of your invaluable support.
“I wish you more abundant blessings from God. Happy birthday,” Shebu quoted the President to have told the elder statesman.