Tinubu, Atiku celebrate Obasanjo at 88
President Bola Tinubu and former Vice President , Atiku Abubakar joined numerous Nigerians to felicitate with former president of Nigeria, Chief. Olusegun Obasanjo.
Referring to Obasanjo as an enigma of leader, President Tinubu commended the former president for his ability to continue wielding influence among political elites in the country , even when he is out of office.
He said Obasanjo is “an extraordinary leader and statesman who has made enormous contributions to Nigeria’s development and whose life for the past six decades is woven deeply into the fabric of Nigeria’s history.
“Providence has constantly thrust General Obasanjo to the forefront at critical junctures in Nigeria’s story.
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In a birthday statement personally issued in Abuja , President Tinubu said of Obasanjo that “he served the country meritoriously in the Nigerian Army. As a Colonel, fate beckoned on him while commanding the Third Marine Division to receive the instrument of surrender from Col. Philip Effiong, the Biafran Army Commander, signalling the end of Nigeria’s 30-month civil war.
“General Obasanjo also made history as the military leader who took over the reins of power following General Murtala Mohammed’s death in 1976. He completed the administration’s transition programme and successfully handed power to a civilian regime in 1979.
“Twenty years later, in 1999, he emerged as civilian president, freed from prison a year earlier, to herald the rebirth of another democratic dispensation, which recently clocked 25 years and still counting.
“During the two eras, General Obasanjo implemented critical policies and reforms and made important decisions that profoundly impacted the lives of many Nigerians. As the head of state, he consistently demonstrated a selfless commitment to national unity, peace, and progress.
“Out of office, only a few will deny that the former president continues to wield considerable influence among the political elite at home and is well-regarded abroad, where he is an ambassador of global peace and a troubleshooter.
“His tireless efforts in conflict resolution, advocacy for good governance, and dedication to Pan-Africanism through institutions like the African Union and the United Nations are testaments to his statesmanship.”
The president said sometimes controversial, Obasanjo’s regular interventions in national affairs have helped shape public policies and acted as a check on leadership.
He thanked General Obasanjo for his onerous contributions to Nigeria, saying “I commend him for his statesmanship and leadership.”
Tinubu said at 88, the former president is still gaining strength while he prayed that God Almighty will grant him the grace and strength to live for more years “so the nation and Africa can continue to benefit from his wisdom and knowledge.”
Atiku on the other hand said former President Olusegun Obasanjo is a rare gem, a precious gift to the country.
In a short personally signed birthday message, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said “Baba, even your opponents will concede that your commitment to the unity of Nigeria is bar none.
“You have, ever since you happened on our country’s leadership landscape, pursued deliberate policies of inclusiveness and promotion of a one Nigeria agenda.
“On this score, you’ve been consistent and given your all. It was an honour to have served with you in advancing a pan-Nigerian agenda to give everyone, irrespective of tribe and tongue, religion or political inclinations, the opportunity to thrive for the greater good of our people and beloved country.
“On this occasion of your 88th birthday, I, on behalf of my family and team, join millions in Nigeria and worldwide to wish you a happy birthday. I wish you more years in good health and service to our country and humanity.”
