Buhari Salutes Obasanjo At 82, Says I hold Him in Highest Esteem
President Muhammadu Buhari says despite their political differences, he holds former President Olusegun Obasanjo in the highest esteem as a great statesman
He described Obasanjo as “a passionate and great patriot who deserves accolades for his immeasurable contributions to our democracy and national unity.”
In a congratulatory message to the former military and civilian ruler, who clocked 82 on Tuesday, March 5, 2019, President Buhari said; “Regardless of our political differences with Obasanjo, I still hold him in the highest esteem because his contributions to the development of the country overshadow those differences.”
The President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, further quoted President Buhari as saying, “Chief Obasanjo gave a good account of himself and inspired his juniors with his wit and other leadership skills.”
The President added; “Nigeria’s successful transition to democratic rule in October 1979 was one of Obasanjo’s remarkable contributions to national development.
“As he celebrates his 82nd Birthday, I wish Chief Obasanjo more good health, knowledge and wisdom in the service of Nigeria and humanity.”
However, at the event marking his birthday in Abeokuta, Chief Obasanjo had said he would continue to criticise President Buhari for the overall good of the country.
Obasanjo, who noted that governance is not a family affair, said democracy involves criticisms and consideration of all sides to an issue.
According to him; “There is nothing personal between President Buhari and I. In a democracy, you can criticise a policy, a government or a leader because democracy is not a family affair.
“If it is my brother that is occupying the leadership role and he is not doing what I believe he should do, he must be criticised and that is what democracy is all about.
“I have been in that position longer than any Nigerian will ever be there. So, if I say anybody in government in Nigeria is not doing well, let that government prove that it is doing well.” – NAN
