Abuja, March 5, 2019 (NAN) President Muhammadu Buhari has described former President Olusegun Obasanjo as « a passionate and great patriot who deserves accolades for his immeasurable contributions to our democracy and national unity. »
In a statement to mark Obasanjo’s 82nd birthday, President Buhari 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’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, quoted President Buhari as saying, « Chief Obasanjo gave a good account of himself and inspired his juniors with his wit and other leadership skills.
« 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. »(NAN)