Atiku (left) greets Jonathan (right) on Jonathan’s 60th birthday. Source/twitter
Jonathan, Face of Democracy in Africa, Says Atiku
Former Nigeria’s Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has said that former President, Goodluck Jonathan, is the face of democracy in Africa.
Jonathan, who lost re-election bid to Muhammadu Buhari clocked 60 years yesterday. In his birthday message to Jonathan, Atiku, on his twitter handle @atiku said:
“A very happy 60th birthday to Dr. Goodluck Jonathan @GEJonathan, the Face of Democracy in Africa. Your words that your ambition isn’t worth the blood of our citizens will stand forever. I wish you continued good health and wisdom”.
The ruling party, the All Progressive Congress (APC) has also sent congratulatory message to Jonathan, an action the party did not consider proper this time last year.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said Jonathan has been a man to emulate.
“The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ahmed Makarfi, on behalf of the National Caretaker Committee, other organs of the party and the PDP family nationwide heartily Congratulates the former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, on the occasion of his 60th Birthday Anniversary.
“Dr. Jonathan was a former Deputy Governor, former Governor, former Vice President and the immediate former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, all on the platform of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). “Your Excellency Sir, you are sixty years today and we are proud that you have made wonderful contributions to the stability of our democracy and the overall development of our country, Nigeria during the prime of your age.
“As you celebrate your birthday today, one thing Nigerians and members of the International community will never forget apart from your numerous and indelible achievements in office is your Campaign message in December 2014… “I am the most abused President in the world but when I leave office, you will all remember the freedom you enjoyed under my Government”.
“Your Excellency, Nigerians will remember that under your administration our economy became the largest and number one in Africa. Nigeria witnessed unprecedented infrastructural development in all areas of the economy. Inflation was at single digits and we had a stable foreign exchange regime.
You consolidated Nigerian democracy by ensuring free and fair elections culminating in the historic presidential election of March 2015 in which you graciously conceded defeat and congratulated your opponent even when there were substantial grounds to dispute the outcome. Most importantly the rule of law and the human rights of Nigerians was greatly respected. For these and many more you have written your name in gold in the hearts of all Nigerians and you will be remembered as one of the greatest leaders of Africa.
“We miss you and Nigerians will be forever grateful for the period you were in the saddle as the President of Nigeria. We love you and share in every moment of your joy and pains. May the Almighty God continue to protect and guide you in every areas of your life. “Once again, Happy Birthday Your Excellency. Congratulations”, PDP said