Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and ex-Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, on Friday felicitated former President Olusegun Obasanjo on the occasion of his 85th birthday on Saturday,
Atiku described his former boss as a representation of good leadership and pan-Africanism.
Atiku, who served under the Obasanjo Presidency, said this in a statement he signed to mark Obasanjo’s 85th birthday anniversary titled, ‘Obasanjo set pace for democratic transfer of power, reforms in Nigeria, Africa–Atiku’.
According to him, “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.
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“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.
In his remarks, Sanwo-Olu, said the former President stating that he had written his name in gold.
According to the Lagos State governor, Obasanjo is worth celebrating, having served Nigeria in many capacities, especially for unity, peaceful coexistence and socio-economic growth and development of Nigeria and a quintessential leader globally.
Sanwo-Olu, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary Mr. Gboyega Akosile, on Friday said Obasanjo remained one of the few Nigerian leaders who had contributed immensely to the growth and development of the country both as military and civilian leader and left with impeccable records.
Sanwo-Olu said, “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.”
In the same vein, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim also described the former President as an outstanding leader who has demonstrated commitment to the peace and progress of Nigeria and Africa.
The presidential aspirant in a congratulatory message signed by him noted that Obasanjo played key roles at various stages of Nigeria and Africa’s political history.
