Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated former President Olusegun Obasanjo on his 82nd birthday anniversary, describing him as “a passionate and great patriot who deserves accolades for his immeasurable contributions to our democracy and national unity.”
In a statement, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said Buhari on Obasanjo’s 82nd birthday anniversary, acknowledged that “regardless of our political differences with Obasanjo, I still hold him in the highest esteem because his contributions to the development of the country overshadow those differences.”
The president also said: “Chief Obasanjo gave a good account of himself and inspired his juniors with his wit and other leadership skills.”
According to Buhari, “Nigeria’s successful transition to democratic rule in October 1979 was one of Obasanjo’s remarkable contributions to national development.
“As he celebrates his 82nd birthday anniversary, I wish Chief Obasanjo more good health, knowledge and wisdom in the service of Nigeria and humanity,” President Buhari said.