Lawan, Omo-Agege, PDP, others eulogise Jonathan at 64

As former President Goodluck Jonathan celebrated his 64th birthday yesterday, notable Nigerians and groups have eulogized his virtues as a statesman.

President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, rejoiced with the former Nigerian leader for the selfless service that he continues to offer in Nigeria and Africa.

“Since leaving office in Nigeria, President Jonathan has put his high standing, experience and energy to working for peace, democracy and development in Africa. The former President has demonstrated how a great leader can continue to play very significant role even out of office.

“President Jonathan believes in the Nigerian project and has amply demonstrated this by promoting unity and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria. His acts of statesmanship has been recognised even outside Nigeria and has made him a good example of leadership in Africa,” Lawan said.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on its part, said that the achievements and personal sacrifices of Jonathan towards the unity and stability of the nation remained indelible.

The party described Jonathan as an exceptionally patriotic leader and national icon, who as deputy governor, governor, vice president, President, African Union (AU) Envoy and Chairman, International Summit Council for Peace in Africa (ISCP-Africa), has continued to distinguish himself as a humble, forthright, selfless and excellent administrator.

In a statement by its national publicity secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, noted that, “Dr. Jonathan’s efforts in entrenching democratic tenets of good governance, equity, fairness, justice, rule of law, credible elections, tolerance, mutual respect as well as accountability in governance, stabilised and strengthened the bond of unity among Nigerians during his tenure in office.

“Dr. Jonathan’s landmark achievements, including legacy projects and programmes brought unprecedented massive development and empowerment of citizens in all critical sectors, in line with the manifesto of the PDP, leading to our economy being ranked as one of the fastest growing in the world under our party’s watch,” the party added.

For Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, Jonathan is a statesman who is unshakably committed to promoting peace and upholding the unity of Nigeria in particular and Africa as a whole.

Omo-Agege applauded his contributions to national development and his unalloyed dedication to nation building, adding that, more than ever before, Nigeria needs the contribution of great patriots.

According to the Deputy President of the Senate, Jonathan’s peaceful disposition and being the first Nigerian President to concede defeat to an opposition candidate placed him on a pedestal that is worthy of emulation by all Nigerians.

“As you celebrate your 64th birthday, my constituents and I join your political associates, family, friends and all your admirers in wishing you many more fulfilling years ahead,” the Delta Central lawmaker stated.