President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has felicitated with former President Goodluck Jonathan on his 66th birthday, describing him as an icon of democracy.
President Tinubu in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, said he believed the former President possessed a distinguished profile on leadership, rising the ladder as deputy governor, governor, Vice-President and President, and now championing the cause of peace in Africa.
He said Jonathan has brought together and counselled leaders on harmonious co-existence for the benefit of the people they serve.
The statement read: “On behalf of the people and government of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu celebrates former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, on his 66th birthday, for his unique demonstration of statesmanship and for his distinguishing achievement as a leader, who gave Nigeria and Africa, a pride of place in democratic lore by upending the vitiating paradigm of those who seek to hold onto power by all means.
“President Tinubu shares the joyous occasion with one of our icons of democracy, whose humility continues to inspire hope for good governance in the country and on the continent.
“The President believes the former President possesses a distinguished profile on leadership, rising the ladder as Deputy Governor, Governor, Vice-President and President, and now championing the cause of peace in Africa by bringing together and counselling leaders on harmonious co-existence for the benefit of the people they serve.
“The President commends former President Jonathan for committing himself to the service of humanity and to strengthening democratic institutions, exemplified by his relentless peace missions and advocacy of non-violence in the peaceful transition of power across the African continent.
“As the former President clocks 66, President Tinubu affirms that his wisdom, foresight, and patriotism will continue to set an example for leaders aspiring to make a difference in Nigeria and beyond.
“The President prays that God Almighty will continually sustain the former President and his wife, Patience, in good health and strength.”
Jonathan became an icon for the country’s democracy when he gave ex-president Muhammadu Buhari a call after losing the 2015 election – a gesture which is very uncommon in Nigeria politics.
