Tinubu celebrates Obasanjo at 88, acknowledges role in Nigeria’s development

President Bola Tinubu has extended warm birthday wishes to former President Olusegun Obasanjo on his 88th birthday, commending his contributions to national development and his enduring influence on Nigerian politics and governance.

In a special tribute personally penned by President Tinubu, he highlighted Obasanjo’s historic role in shaping Nigeria’s trajectory, acknowledging his military and civilian leadership and his continued engagement in national discourse.

Reflecting on Obasanjo’s remarkable journey, Tinubu described him as a leader who consistently placed at critical junctures in Nigeria’s history.

“Today, as former President Olusegun Aremu Obasanjo turns 88, 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 stated.

He recalled Obasanjo’s distinguished military service, particularly his instrumental role in ending Nigeria’s civil war.

“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, signaling the end of Nigeria’s 30-month civil war,” Tinubu noted.

READ ALSO: Obasanjo releases 2 new books today: “Lest we forget: Slavery, Slave Trade, Emancipation and Reparation & Nigeria: Past and the Future”

Tinubu also recognized Obasanjo’s contributions as a military and civilian leader. He praised his stewardship following the assassination of General Murtala Mohammed in 1976, which saw Obasanjo leading a successful transition to civilian rule in 1979.

“General Obasanjo made history as the military leader who took over the reins of power following General Murtala Mohammed’s death in 1976. He completed the administration’s transition programme and successfully handed power to a civilian regime in 1979,” he said.

Two decades later, Obasanjo returned as a civilian president in 1999, playing a pivotal role in Nigeria’s democratic rebirth.

“Twenty years later, in 1999, 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 remarked.

Despite sometimes being perceived as controversial, Tinubu acknowledged that Obasanjo’s interventions in national affairs have played a crucial role in shaping public policies and holding leadership accountable.

“Sometimes controversial, former President Obasanjo’s regular interventions in national affairs have helped shape public policies and acted as a check on leadership,” he noted.

Tinubu also emphasized Obasanjo’s global influence, recognizing his role as a diplomat and advocate for good governance, particularly through his work with international organizations like the African Union and the United Nations.

“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. His tireless efforts in conflict resolution, advocacy for good governance, and dedication to Pan-Africanism are testaments to his statesmanship,” Tinubu stated.

In conclusion, Tinubu expressed gratitude for Obasanjo’s service to Nigeria and prayed for his continued health and longevity.

“I thank General Obasanjo for his onerous contributions to Nigeria. I commend him for his statesmanship and 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.”

On behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, President Tinubu extended heartfelt congratulations, concluding with: “Happy 88th Birthday, President Obasanjo!”