President Muhammadu Buhari has sent a message of felicitation to his nephew and acclaimed leader of his ‘Kitchen Cabinet’, Malam Mamman Daura, who clocks 81.
In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, the President eulogised his older nephew, describing him as “a dedicated public servant, consummate administrator, and one of our worthiest gentlemen who is widely misunderstood by so many.”
The President said: “Mamman Daura is a thoroughbred public administrator with an all rounded knowledge and experience in life and government.”
According to him: “It’s impossible to sit down with Daura without gaining from his vast experience, knowledge and wisdom.”
The 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.”
Buhari, who also described Daura as “a veteran of Nigeria’s political history and active participant in its development,” said “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.”
“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,” the President told the elder statesman.