President Muhammadu Buhari; former vice president, Atiku Abubakar; and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos state; on Friday celebrated former president Olusegun Obasanjo, who clocked 85years on Saturday.
Buhari in a congratulatory message conveyed through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, extols the wisdom, insight and versatility of Obasanjo, describing him as a patriotic leader.
The President commended Obasanjo for taking over the reins of power at a times the country is battling with the stability of democracy.
He also prayed to God to give Obasanjo more grace and strength to continue to serve Nigeria and Africa at large.
His birthday message reads, “On behalf of the Federal Government and Nigerians in general, President Muhammadu Buhari felicitates with former President Olusegun Obasanjo on his 85th birthday, joining family, friends and associates in celebrating the joyous occasion.
“The former Head of State, 1976-1979 and former President of Nigeria, 1999-2007, is a study in patriotism, leadership and courage, leading the country to democratic government in 1979, and taking over the reins of power as elected President in 1999.
“The former President’s influence continues to resonate beyond the country, extending to the international community and multilateral institutions.
On his part, Atiku described his former principal as a representation of good leadership and pan-Africanism.
Atiku, a presidential hopeful, in a birthday message titled, ‘Obasanjo set pace for democratic transfer of power, reforms in Nigeria, Africa–Atiku’, said a good leader who set the pace for the development of democracy in the country.
The message reads, “The celebration of Obasanjo is parallel to celebrating the vision of good leadership and pan-Africanism.
“The vision which Obasanjo brought into governance either as a military head of government or as a democratically elected president continues to set the pace for progressive ideals in governments across Africa.
“In the decades of the late 70s, when almost all of Africa was covered in military dictatorships, Obasanjo set the pace for a transfer of power to civilian government in Nigeria, and that singular effort began the process of democratization across the continent.
“Obasanjo created an era of progressive reforms in Nigeria that continues to benefit the people of Nigeria up till today, and that is why he continues to enjoy the goodwill progressive politicians and statesmen, not just in Africa but globally,” he said.
Also, Sanwo-Olu, described Obasanjo as a national hero who has written his name in the history books of the country.
According to the governor, Obasanjo has written his name in gold for his efforts in uniting and maintaining peace in the country.
This was contained in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary Mr. Gboyega Akosile.
The message reads, “On behalf of my family, government and the people of Lagos State, I warmly felicitate Chief Olusegun Obasanjo on his 85th birthday anniversary.
“Baba Obasanjo is worth celebrating for his contribution to the development of our dear country, especially his service to the nation as a gallant military officer, Head of State and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
