President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday expressed his gratitude for the many cards and well-wishes he received for his 80th birthday.

He said jokingly that his wish for a quiet day was denied him by the staff, adding that: “I fixed the return journey from America on the day to avoid the celebration.” According to a statement by presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, addressing Professor Ibrahim Gambari, the chief of staff, Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and a handful of other personal staff who gathered at the residence in the morning “to make the President’s birthday an occasion to remember,” President Buhari said a birthday is no more than just another day in the office. In a fitting commendation on behalf of the personal staff, the chief read aloud the card signed by them which states thus:

 “On behalf of the entire staff of the personal staff and myself, we say ‘Happy Birthday’ to a worthy leader, father of the nation, and our own father. “Your Excellency was a star at the recently-concluded American-African Leaders Summit- recognition by your own peers and the leader of the international community. “We are proud of Your Excellency and grateful for the opportunity to serve Your Excellency with respect and abiding loyalty.” Buhari waded across the room, reading one card after the other, and thereafter ordered everyone back to the office: “Back to work,” he said, as he led the way to his office building. The president participated in meetings and other duties throughout the working hours in the office.