President
Muhammadu Buhari has heartily congratulated former President of Nigeria and
elder statesman, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (GCFR), as he turns 79, tomorrow,
March 5, 2016.
According
to a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the
President affirms that the former president, who is approaching the
octogenarian cycle, has contributed immensely to the institutionalization of
democracy in Nigeria and Africa through his personal sacrifice, extensive local
and international networks, and God-given wisdom. Continue below to read the
press statement in parts….
President
Buhari believes that Chief Obasanjo’s place in global history is assured for
successfully handing over power to a civilian government in 1979 after serving
as a military Head of State, and returning to power in 1999 through elections
to stabilize the polity, during which he most remarkably negotiated a debt
relief for Nigeria.
The
President warmly commends Chief Obasanjo’s vision and commitment to the growth
of Nigeria and Africa, which translated into a historical growth rate of 6
percent for the Nigerian economy after a long period of slow growth, and also
created a rippling effect that buoyed other African economies.
As
he turns 79, the President avers that the former president’s regular shuttles
across Nigeria and Africa to counsel on economic, social and political issues,
and his willingness to head election monitoring teams that have heralded smooth
transitions in many countries are legacies which generations will remain
grateful.
President
Buhari prays that the Almighty God will grant the Balogun of the Owu lineage,
who is also the Ekerin Balogun of the Egba clan, long life and strength to
continue his service to humanity.
0 comments:
Post a Comment