Various political party stalwarts in Nigeria have joined in pouring encomiums on one-time President, His Excellency Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, on the occasion of his 65th birthday celebration on Sunday, November 20, 2022.
The former Head of State had served as both Vice-President (2007-2010) and President of Nigeria from 2010-2015 under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari sent a congratulatory message, lauding the celebrant for sacrificing his personal ambition for the greater good of the country.
President @MBuhari, on behalf of the government and Nigerians, rejoices with former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, GFCR, on his 65th birthday, November 20, 2022.
— Bashir Ahmad (@BashirAhmaad) November 19, 2022
“He successfully won the hearts of Nigerians and the world as a man of peace by carrying on his legacy of truce and amity to many countries,” said President Buhari.
The Labour Party’s presidential candidate for the forthcoming elections, Mr. Peter Obi, also described H.E President Jonathan as a true leader, who gave up his personal political ambition for the sake of national peace and progress.
“As a lover of mankind, his positive impacts on people, institutions and organizations are continually felt, not just in Nigeria but on the global stage,” said Obi.
institutions and organisations are continually felt, not just in Nigeria, but on the global stage. I join his family, friends, well-wishers and millions of admirers around the world to celebrate him today. I pray God to continually bless him with abundant health of mind and body,
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) November 20, 2022
Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who was next in rank as Vice-President during H.E President Jonathan’s tenure, described him as a Nigerian democratic hero, an elder statesman and a continental peacemaker.
“Since conceding defeat in the 2015 Nigerian presidential election – a rare heroic feat – and saving our country from a possible descent into violence, you have been at the forefront of election observations and the restoration of peace in different parts of Africa.
“For your noble efforts you have been conferred with many local and international awards, all of which are well deserved,” Atiku tweeted.
This is a good day, our revered former President @GEJonathan, to thank you immensely for your consistently steadfast service, first to your home State, Bayelsa, secondly to our beloved country, Nigeria, and lastly to our great continent, Africa. pic.twitter.com/DA7CbKSq0b
— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) November 20, 2022
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) extolled President Jonathan’s peaceful personality which, it said, has been acknowledged all over the world.
“He created a conducive atmosphere, national stability and cohesion for unprecedented economic growth during his tenure as President.
“Also, in recognition of his peaceful persona, he continues to be saddled with numerous foreign engagements to superintend over peace negotiations across the globe,” said the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, in a press statement.
https://twitter.com/OfficialPDPNig/status/1594381944695193601?t=WCu01IRX_88_UYBn_2RckA&s=19
Former Governor of Abia State and Chief Whip of the Senate, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, acknowledged the former President’s contributions to the all-round development of the country, describing him as “a patriotic statesman with passion for a prosperous Nigeria.”
“On behalf of the people of Abia North Senatorial district, I felicitate former President Goodluck Jonathan as he clocks 65.
“…I urge the political class to embrace the democratic values of the celebrant,” said Kalu.
Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, described Jonathan as a “visionary leader whose guidance and direction are truly inspirational and of tremendous blessing to all.”
The birthday was celebrated in style with his family.
Amaka E. Nliam
