In its quest to show how not to play politics of bitterness as part of the tools for national rebirth, Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari took the lead in chorusing and pouring encomiums on his immediate predecessor, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, who clocks 60 on Monday November 20, 2017.
President Buhari did this as he became virtually the first to officially or personally officer a to felicitate, on the birthday anniversary, with a former President, whose administration has been linked to very hugely disgusting corruption and impunity revelations believed in many quarters to be responsible for the recent economic recession that Nigeria witnessed until his success, Buhari, whose administration exposed the recession, took the country out of it.
It would be recalled however that the same Mr. Jonathan and his political party have been the most vocalized voices telling Nigerians that Buhari was running a failed government and that he was running an administration foundationed on “lies and propaganda”.
But Buhari completely shook all of that off him and did what he thought was best for the nation’s growing democracy thereby making his birthday message to Jonathan more of friendly than of bitterness.
President Buhari’s congratulatory message, which reflects no element of bitterness or grudges against Mr. Jonathan, is contained in a statement by 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, PDP, 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.
According to him, 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.
Buhari prayed that the almighty God would bless the former president with good health, wisdom and strength to continue serving the country.
Just like President Muhammadu Buhari did, the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) also congratulated the former President, Jonathan, on the same reason, describing him as a “patriotic and exemplary” leader.
The APC, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, urged Jonathan to continue to be steadfast in the pursuit of peace and national development.
The statement read: “The All Progressives Congress APC warmly congratulates former president, H.E. Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan on his 60th birthday.
“We join well-wishers in celebrating a statesman whose life and politics have been defined by patriotism and humility.”
