President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday eulogised the President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, who is marking his 61st birthday, Igbere TV reports.

Buhari said Lawan who had been in the National Assembly since 1999, starting from the House of Representatives, had contributed to Nigeria's development and the country’s legislature.

In a congratulatory message signed by his senior spokesman, Garba Shehu, sent to Igbere TV, Buhari extolled Lawan’s discipline, maturity and selflessness in decision making.

He said Lawan’s maturity had translated into many achievements of the ninth assembly within a short period, including the return to January-December budget cycle.

“On behalf the Federal Executive Council and all Nigerians, President Muhammadu Buhari warmly felicitates with Senate President, Dr Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan on his 61st birthday.

“The President joins the National Assembly and all members of All Progressives Congress in celebrating the milestone, which has been lined with many years of contributions to Nigeria’s development, with fruitful years of lawmaking, starting from House of Representatives in 1999.

“President Buhari extols Dr Lawan’s discipline, maturity and selflessness in always looking at the broader picture in decision making.

“The President affirms that Lawan’s maturity has translated into the many achievements of the ninth assembly within a short period, including a harmonious relationship with the executive, which recently, and historically, saw a return to the right budget cycle.

“At 61, the President believes the Senate President’s rich experience as an administrator, educator and lawmaker will go a long way in shaping policies that will directly impact on the livelihood of Nigerians, while commending his responsive and inclusive leadership style.

“President Buhari prays that the almighty God will continue to guide Dr Lawan to provide strong leadership, and grant him longer life and good health”, the statement read.