Buhari, Oyetola, Fayemi, Ooni, Arase Eulogise Comrade Amitolu Shittu @ 55

President Muhammadu Buhari, Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola, Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi and a former Inspector General of Police, Dr Solomon Arase have felicitated with a renowned social activist, Comrade Amitolu Shittu on his 55th birthday.

Buhari and others eulogised and paid tributes to Shittu who turned 55 on December 28.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina saluted Shittu’s sense of commitment to a better society, which he resolutely advocates without playing to the gallery, or with any self-promotion and personal aggrandizement.

“The President recalls Amitolu’s long and close relationship with human rights lawyer, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, rising to become Deputy National Chairman of National Conscience Party (NCP), and lauds him for keeping the memory of his mentor evergreen.

“Noting that activism is not the same thing as anarchy or fomenting insurrection, President Buhari wishes Amitolu greater years of service to fatherland,” the statement reads.

Governor Oyetola paid tributes to Shittu and described him as a quintessential activist who had proved over the years that he is an activist with a difference.

“This tribute is in honour of a quintessential activist at 55 — a man to whom activism is a  calling, something of a religion, and a means for serving the people and deliver a better society.

“Comrade Amitolu Shittu has proved over the years that he is an activist with a difference. In practising his calling, he is true and committed to his two constituencies: the people and the truth.

“His consistency in electing to remain in activism despite ample opportunities to join politics and hold elective or appointive positions is proof that Comrade Shittu is devoted to the truth, the people and good governance.

“His life is irredeemably dedicated to humanity and building an egalitarian society.

“From partaking in ousting military junta to fighting to realise the sanctity of June 12, from struggling to enthrone democracy to striving to sustain it in the last 20 unbroken years, Comrade Amitolu Shittu has left no one in doubt that he is a genuine democrat, rights activist and an apostle of good governance.

“While some activists see their position as an opportunity to needlessly confront governments, Comrade Shittu collaborates with government to serve the people and entrench development without compromising his calling.

“His pedigree and passion for service and the people made him to accept the  appointment of the Chair of Osun State Police Community Relations Committee where he served with distinction and earned the State the most peaceful State in Nigeria.

“As the Jagunmolu of Owu Ile, he has consistently used his position and influence to “accelerate the pace of development and modernity” to the town.

“The founding of Comrade Amitolu Shittu Foundation is a further testament to his resolve to serve the people and give them opportunities to achieve their destinies.

“He has consistently used his position as the National President of the Committee for Democracy and Rights of the People to deepen democracy, enthrone development, good governance and equal opportunity for all.

“A toast to Comrade Shittu is a toast to selflessness, service, good governance and a better society. These virtues qualify him as a hero and a model for our generation and posterity.

“I join the good people of the State of Osun to wish Comrade Amitolu Shittu good health, long life and many more years of service to the State and humanity,” a statement issued by the governor reads.

Governor Fayemi congratulated Shittu and described him as a lover of the vulnerable who have shown exemplary life of service.

The governor therefore advised the human rights activist to use the occasion of his birthday anniversary and rededicate himself to the service and wellbeing of the people through the pursuit of social justice and fair play with a view to ensuring an egalitarian society.

For Ooni of Ife, Comrade Shittu has supported the socioeconomic growth of the country and one of the few patriotic Nigerians who worked for the democracy Nigeria enjoys today.

The first class monarch described him as an uncommon statesman and wished him a long healthy life full of prosperity.

Oba Ogubwusi said, “I heartily put up this piece of tribute in honour of Oodua’s golden son, a prominent freedom fighter, dogged human rights activist and patriotic Nigerian per excellence, Comrade Amitolu Shittu (SASh) who clocks 55 years on earth.

It will motivate our youths to know and note that this unique Nigerian built up the great man that he is today through the grace of Almighty Olodumare, goodwill of his noble home and the hardwork he put in place especially during his youthful age to enjoy what he currently enjoys across the world today.

Comrade Amitolu is one of the few patriotic Nigerians who led campaigns against the dictatorial military era and helped in the restoration of our democracy. Although the struggle was not without its pains, this gentleman joined other patriotic Nigerians and stood their ground for their fatherland.”

A former IGP, Arase also showered encomiums on Shittu, especially on his strides in policing and national security.

‘My dear Shittu, this goodwill message cannot capture your exemplary qualities as a critical security stakeholder in the country. Suffice it to say that your passionate interventions in galvanising community partnership National Security, through the PCRC is highly commendable. You did not only elevate the criticism of policing culture, your enviable interrogation of policing in our National Security space by organising workshops and training programmes is truly enviable.

“The chronicles of policing in Nigeria will certainly reserve a pride of place for this iconic personality.

“It is with pride, delight and elation, therefore, that I join others in eulogising you on this special occasion,” his goodwill message reads.