By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia
PRESIDENT BOLA Ahmed Tinubu has paid tribute to former President Olusegun Obasanjo on his 88th birthday, recognising his immense contributions to Nigeria’s development and democratic progress.
In a statement celebrating the elder statesman, Tinubu highlighted Obasanjo’s decades-long service, noting his crucial role in shaping the nation’s history.
He recalled how, as a military officer, Obasanjo accepted the instrument of surrender from Biafran forces in 1970, marking the end of Nigeria’s civil war.
Tinubu also acknowledged Obasanjo’s leadership following the assassination of General Murtala Mohammed in 1976, culminating in his historic handover of power to a civilian government in 1979.
The President praised Obasanjo’s return to democratic leadership in 1999 after his release from prison, describing it as a turning point for Nigeria’s democracy.
He credited the former president with implementing key policies and reforms that had a lasting impact on the country’s governance and economic landscape.
Beyond politics, Tinubu lauded Obasanjo’s role in conflict resolution across Africa and his advocacy for good governance through international organisations such as the African Union and the United Nations.
He acknowledged that while Obasanjo’s interventions in national affairs are sometimes controversial, they have significantly influenced public policy and leadership accountability.
Tinubu further expressed gratitude for Obasanjo’s dedication to national unity and Pan-Africanism, describing him as a statesman who continues to command respect at home and abroad.
He said he is wishing him strength and good health, praying for more years of service to Nigeria and the African continent.
