Former President Goodluck Jonathan will hits 60 years on Monday and messages of felicitations have been flowing in to congratulate him on the remarkable milestone.
President Muhammadu Buhari, Jonathan’s opponent in the 2015 general election was one of those who have sent the former President a birthday message.
Buhari’s congratulatory message is contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Sunday.
“The President joined members of the Peoples’ Democratic Party , professional colleagues, associates of Jonathan, and his family in celebrating the unique history of the Nigerian leader.
“He noted that the former president, within a short period rose from being a Deputy Governor, Governor, Vice President to becoming Nigeria’s President for six years.
President Buhari noted that Jonathan’s foray into politics and ascendency to the highest political office in Nigeria from a humble riverine background testifies to the greatness and inclusiveness of Nigeria’s democracy, and serves as an invitation to all those with interest to add value to the nation.
President Buhari therefore prayed that the almighty God would bless the former president with good health, wisdom and strength to continue serving the country.
In its own congratulatory message, APC noted that the former President’s life and politics had been defined by patriotism and humility.
The party, in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi on Sunday in Abuja recalled that the commendable and exemplary conduct of Jonathan before and after the 2015 presidential election demonstrated his patriotism and love for Nigeria.
The statement urged the former president to remain steadfast to the positive ideals he stood for and continue to support the development of the country.
It wished Jonathan many more happy, healthy and rewarding years of service to the nation.
Described as the luckiest politician of Nigeria’s political history, Jonathan was born in Otueke, Bayelsa state, on Nov. 20 1957.
Before he entered politics in 1998, Jonathan worked as an education inspector, lecturer, and environmental-protection officer.
Jonathan had also served as Deputy Governor and later as Governor of Bayelsa from 2005 to 2007.
The former President had served as Vice-President, acting President, and later as Nigeria’s President from 2010 to 2015, following the death of President Umaru Yar’Adua.
He lost the presidency to President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015