President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday paid tribute to former President Olusegun Obasanjo as he marked his 88th birthday, acknowledging his pivotal role in Nigeria’s history and governance.
“I pay a special tribute to an extraordinary leader and statesman who has made enormous contributions to Nigeria’s development and whose life for the past six decades is woven deeply into the fabric of Nigeria’s history,” Tinubu said.
He highlighted key moments in Obasanjo’s career, including his role in receiving the Biafran surrender in 1970, his leadership after General Murtala Mohammed’s assassination in 1976, and his return as a civilian president in 1999.
“As a Colonel, fate beckoned on him while commanding the Third Marine Division to receive the instrument of surrender from Col. Philip Effiong, the Biafran Army Commander, signalling the end of Nigeria’s 30-month civil war,” Tinubu stated.
He commended Obasanjo’s contributions to democracy, stating, “In 1999, 20 years later, he emerged as civilian president, freed from prison a year earlier, to herald the rebirth of another democratic dispensation, which recently clocked 25 years and still counting.
Tinubu described Obasanjo as a leader whose policies and reforms left a lasting impact on Nigeria. “As the head of state, he consistently demonstrated a selfless commitment to national unity, peace, and progress,” he said.
Recognizing Obasanjo’s global influence, Tinubu added, “His tireless efforts in conflict resolution, advocacy for good governance, and dedication to Pan-Africanism through institutions like the African Union and the United Nations are testaments to his statesmanship.”
He acknowledged Obasanjo’s continued influence in national affairs, saying, “Out of office, only a few will deny that the former president continues to wield considerable influence among the political elite at home and is well-regarded abroad, where he is an ambassador of global peace and a troubleshooter.”
While noting that Obasanjo’s interventions in governance have sometimes been controversial, Tinubu said they have helped shape public policies and serve as a check on leadership.
“At 88, the former president is still gaining strength. I pray that God Almighty will grant him the grace and strength to live for more years so the nation and Africa can continue to benefit from his wisdom and knowledge,” Tinubu said.
He extended his congratulations on behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, stating, “Happy 88th birthday, President Obasanjo.”
NAN
