President Buhari Celebrates Ex-President Obasanjo

Obasanjo turns 79 on March 5
– Buhari praises ex-president’s vision and commitment to the growth
of Nigeria
Muhammadu Buhari has warmly congratulated ex-president Chief
Olusegun Obasanjo in an early message for his 79 birthday on March
5, Saturday.
Femi Adesina, presidential media aide issued a statement saying that
Buhari affirms that the ex-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.
The statement reads in part: “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.”
A Nigerian of Yoruba descent, Obasanjo was a career soldier before
serving twice as Nigeria’s head of state, once as a military ruler,
between 13 February 1976 to 1 October 1979 and again from 29 May
1999 to 29 May 2007, as elected president.
President Buhari and Obasanjo are in good relations. Ex-president
supported Buhari during the last year presidential campaign.
Before the elections Obasanjo had been in the news in connection with
his purported endorsement of Buhari. Reacting to the reports,
meanwhile, the politician was not so specific about his position as he
insisted that he would vote for the candidate with the best track of
record.
https://www.naij.com/752658-read-president-buharis-powerful-
message-obasanjo.html