Notable Nigerians, including President Bola Tinubu, former President Goodluck Jonathan, Governors Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State and Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, as well as the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, on Friday described former Deputy National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, as an outstanding statesman who has demonstrated devotion and undisguised love for Nigeria and his state of birth.
They made these remarks during George’s 80th birthday celebration and the launch of his memoir, Unfiltered: A Chronicle of Selected Speeches, held at the Naval Dockyard, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Roll call of dignitaries
The event attracted dignitaries including President Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume; former President Jonathan, represented by Col. Paul Edoi (retd); Governor Bala Mohammed; Governor Seyi Makinde; former Ogun State Governor, Admiral Murtala Nyako (retd); former Niger State Governor, Alhaji Babangida Aliyu; former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso; PDP National Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Damagun; Chairman of the Lagos State Governor’s Advisory Council, Prince Tajudeen Olusi; former First Lady, Mrs. Margaret Shonekan; retired Supreme Court Justice, Justice Bode Rhodes; Admiral Toye Olofintuyi (retd); former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara; Chairman and Publisher of Vanguard Newspapers, Uncle Sam Amuka; and former PDP governorship candidate in Lagos State, Mr. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour.
“You’re an outstanding politician” — Tinubu
In his goodwill message, President Tinubu, represented by SGF Akume, commended Chief George for his contributions to national development.
“At 80, Chief George has lived a full life dedicated to serving our country with distinction. As a leader of note and a proud ‘Lagos boy,’ he has demonstrated devotion and undisguised love for Nigeria and his state of birth. Today’s event is a celebration of a distinguished Nigerian, a statesman, and an outstanding politician,” Tinubu said.
He noted that although he and George had been on opposite sides politically since 1999, it had never diminished his admiration and respect for him. Tinubu also acknowledged George’s valuable advice and interventions on national issues since he assumed office as President.
“He’s a courageous man” — Jonathan
Former President Jonathan, represented by Col. Edoi (retd), described George as a courageous man.
“Your 80th birthday is a testimony to a life of courage and conviction,” Jonathan said.
“A detribalised Nigerian” — Bala Mohammed
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State praised George as a detribalised Nigerian.
“Chief Bode George is beyond Lagos State. I would describe him as a detribalised Nigerian. I worked under him when he was Chairman of the NPA. He is cerebral, impactful, and has always left a mark wherever he served,” Mohammed said.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State described George as a leader who “cannot be a pushover,” while the Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi, commended him for his support of the throne of Oduduwa.
“I hold no bitterness, no malice, no regrets” — Bode George
In his emotional speech, Chief George reflected on his long journey through public life, acknowledging both triumphs and challenges.
“My journey through public life has been long and painful. From my early days as a young naval officer to my years in political leadership, I have seen Nigeria at her brightest and most challenging moments. I have served in government and in opposition. I have celebrated victories and endured defeats. I have been praised and misunderstood. But through every twist and turn, I have held firmly to one conviction: Nigeria is worth serving, and Nigeria is worth believing in.”
George emphasized that politics should not be about bitterness or revenge but about building bridges and advancing the common good. He urged leaders to place Nigeria first, reminding them that future generations will inherit whatever is built or destroyed today.
He also addressed young Nigerians:“Do not give up on Nigeria. I understand your frustrations, but no generation has had it easy. Our generation faced wars, dictatorship, imprisonment, and persecution, yet we endured because we believed in the promise of this land. Be bold, be curious, and be upright. This country needs your creativity, innovation, and courage.”
“The destiny of Nigeria will not be rated by foreign hands, it will be rated by you. Leadership is not about noise, it is about service. It is not about position, it is about purpose.
“Serve your communities with integrity, and you will change the nation more than any slogan ever could. As I stand at this milestone, I am reminded that everything in life is transitory. Power, wealth, titles, and applause.
“What endures is the legacy of the character of kindness and of service to others. I thank all who have walked this road with me. My friends, classmates, my mentors, my political associates, even my critics.
“I hold no bitterness, no malice, no regrets at any time. There is no room for anger, only room for prayer. My faith in God remains unshaken.
“He has lifted me from despair to renewal, from confusion to clarity. And for that, I say, God be in the glory. As we celebrate today, and as we launch this book that captures some of the lessons and experiences of my journey, I hope it will inspire reflection, dialogue, and above all, understanding.
“Understanding of what it means to serve and to live with conviction. My friends gathered here, I thank you. My dear wife and family, thank you all.
“I thank all Nigerians. Thank you for walking this journey with me in one way or another. I look not backward but forward.
“Forward to a Nigeria that fulfills its promise. Forward to a generation of leaders who will rise above self. Forward to a time when every Nigerian, no matter their background, can live with dignity and hope.