…Calls him ‘consensus-builder’
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to elder statesman and nationalist, Tanko Yakasai, as the prominent independence activist marked his 100th birthday yesterday December 5, describing him as the “last man standing” among Nigeria’s frontline freedom fighters.
In a statement he personally issued on Thursday, President Tinubu said Yakasai’s century-long life epitomises courage, patriotism, and unwavering dedication to the quest for Nigeria’s liberation from colonial rule and its continued journey toward unity and democratic consolidation.
“Of the noble men and women who stood firm for our liberty and freedom from repressive colonial subjugation, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai is the last man standing”, the President said, noting that the centenarian carved a meaningful legacy despite his humble beginnings in Kano a hundred years ago.
Tinubu recalled that Yakasai’s early encounters with the injustices of colonial administration steered him into activism and the broader nationalist struggle. “As a young man, he joined hands with contemporaries under the Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU), led by Malam Aminu Kano, in launching an awakening campaign that contributed significantly to Nigeria’s eventual independence”, he stated.
The President highlighted Yakasai’s post-independence contributions, including his service as a state commissioner under then Military Governor Audu Bako and later as Special Assistant on National Assembly Liaison to President Shehu Shagari during the Second Republic.
The President highlighted Yakasai’s post-independence contributions, including his service as a state commissioner under the then-Military Governor Audu Bako and later as Special Assistant on National Assembly Liaison to President Shehu Shagari during the Second Republic.
“In both youth and old age, Yakasai remains a shining example of commitment to Nigeria. He is a consensus builder who consistently weighs in on the side of national cohesion, peaceful coexistence, and democratic consolidation”,Tinubu stressed.
He added that celebrating Yakasai means celebrating “a century of dedicated service to freedom and democracy” as well as acknowledging the elder statesman’s longstanding support for him personally and for the progressive political movement.
President Tinubu congratulated the centenarian and joined family, friends, associates, and admirers across the country in honouring Yakasai’s life of purpose and patriotism.
