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Tributes as former President Jonathan clocks 63
By Emmanuel Awosika
President Muhammadu Buhari, Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, were among those who showered tributes on former President Goodluck Jonathan as he clocked 63 years today.
Buhari paid tributes to his predecessor in a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, congratulating him for “a life of service that has brought honour and goodwill to the country.”
The statement reads: “On behalf of the Federal Government and Nigerians in general, President Buhari warmly felicitates with former President Jonathan on his 63rd birthday on November 20, 2020, congratulating him for a life of service that has brought honour and goodwill to the country.
“The President notes, with appreciation, the peculiar and remarkable climb of the former President on Nigeria’s political ladder, and dedication that has kept him working most recently as ECOWAS Envoy to bring peace to the Republic of Mali.
“As the former Nigerian President turns 63, President Buhari prays that the Almighty God will grant Dr Jonathan longer life, good health and more wisdom to keep serving the nation and humanity.”
On his part, Ekweremadu praised Jonathan’s democratic disposition and his selfless service in leadership.
He said: “Jonathan’s democratic temperament was indeed a facilitator and great boost to the millage we covered in reforming the nation’s electoral system, especially in the Sixth National Assembly.”
Meanwhile, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, in a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, praised Jonathan for leading a government that adhered with the principles of rule of law and freedom of expression.
He said in part: “Your administration will long be remembered as the government that practised the rule of law and freedom of expression, as there were no records of human rights abuses throughout your tenure.
“As our dear former President clocks 63 years today, it is my prayer and that of millions of Nigerians that God will continue to strengthen him in his avowed commitment to ensuring greater peace, good governance and enduring democracy in Africa.”
