Serving Senators under the aegis of Northern Senators’ forum Saturday rejoiced with former governor of Kaduna State , Senator Ahmed Makarfi on 70th birthday celebration.

The Senators in a statement signed by their Chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’ Adua ( Katsina Central), described Makarfi a detribalised Nigerian who from classroom teacher transformed to a statesman .

Makarfi’s journey according to the Northern Senators , embodies the very best of public service, humility, and enduring impact whose name and work are celebrated not only in Makarfi, not only in Kaduna, but across every corner of Nigeria .

The statement reads, “You began as a classroom teacher and part-time lecturer in the Department of Accounting at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria from 1987 to 1993. Even then, you were shaping minds and building the future.

“From the lecture halls, you moved to the boardroom, rising to Assistant General Manager at Nigeria Universal Bank, and later serving with distinction as Honorable Commissioner of Finance in Kaduna State.

“In 1999, the people of Kaduna called you to a higher duty. You answered. As Governor of Kaduna State from 1999 to 2007, you provided steady and courageous leadership during turbulent times. Your tenure laid enduring foundations in governance, peace-building, and development that Kaduna State continues to build upon.

“The nation called again. From 2007 to 2015, you represented Kaduna North Senatorial District in the 6th and 7th Senate of the Federal Republic. In the red chamber, you brought the same calm intellect, depth, and commitment to nation-building that defined your years as governor. You were a voice of reason, stability, and legislative diligence.

“And when your party, the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, faced its greatest test, you stood up. As National Chairman, you held the center. You stabilised, you reconciled, and you reminded us that politics must be about people, about institutions, and about country — not just power.

“At 70, you are rightly honoured as a detribalised Nigerian. Your name and your work are celebrated not only in Makarfi, not only in Kaduna, but across every corner of our country.

” In every responsibility you have handled — in the classroom, in banking, in the State House, in the Senate, and at the national secretariat of a major political party — you have impacted lives and left institutions better than you met them.

“As you enter this season of elder statesmanship, the Northern Senators Forum prays that Allah continues to grant you guidance, wisdom, strength, and good health”.