Buhari, Atiku, Northern governors greet Obasanjo at 83

President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated former President Olusegun Obasanjo on his 83rd birthday,  on March 5, congratulating him for a life of courage, dedication and service to Nigeria, Africa, and humanity in general.
The President’s congratulatory message was conveyed in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Wednesday.
Buhari joined family members, friends and associates of the former president in celebrating the milestone.
According to him, Obasanjo’s commitment to Nigerian nationhood remains outstanding and commendable, while also underscoring his sacrifices for the continent, including standing up for democracy in many countries.
Buhari prayed that the almighty God would grant him long life, good health and strength to keep serving the nation and the continent.
Also, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar congratulated his former boss on his birthday.
In a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, he commended the contributions of Obasanjo to the development of Nigeria, African continent and humanity.
He said that no individual living or dead had bestrode the Nigerian political space as positively and purposefully as Obasanjo had done, “for good and better, in peace time and war, in times of austerity, and times of prosperity.
“It is not an exaggeration to describe you as the preeminent political colossus in Nigeria, a nation that owes so much to you.
“Indeed, many Nigerians will read about your birthday on their GSM devices, which are one of your legacies to the Nigerian people.
“Your love for Nigeria and commitment to her unity, good governance and stability has prevented you from retiring, a sacrifice that my family and I deeply appreciate.
“From the Congo to South Africa to Angola to Liberia and São Tomé and Príncipe, your democratic finger print on the African continent is indelible.
“You have served and still serve as a beacon of democracy and a guardian of constitutionality.’’
Abubakar said Nigeria owes Obasanjo a debt that Nigerians could not pay.
He said that the former president led Nigeria to pay its foreign debts that the citizens could not imagine paying.
“By that singular action, you planted trees for generations yet unborn.
“You hold the enviable and esteemed record of being the first African military ruler to have voluntarily, and without internal and external pressure, restored power to the government democratically elected by the Nigerian people.
“It was Not Your Will to be in office, but it was your will to bequeath democracy to Nigeria. And after 21 years of the Fourth Republic, Nigeria has cause to celebrate your democratic credentials.
“Happy birthday President Obasanjo. You are beloved now and forever,‘’ said Abubakar.
Also, the Northern Governors Forum congratulated Obasanjo on his 83rd birthday.
The Chairman of the forum and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong, in a congratulatory message, praised Obasanjo for his visionary and patriotic service to Nigeria, the African Continent and the world.
In the message that was issued on Wednesday in Jos by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr Makut Macham, Lalong described Obasanjo as a leader who had given his best to the nation and humanity in the various positions and responsibilities he held over the years.
He also lauded Obasanjo’s commitment to the growth of democracy, good governance and human rights ,which he had pursued in and out of office and under different platforms across the globe.
The chairman urged the former President not to relent in offering his wealth of wisdom and experience to the present leaderships at all levels, especially as Nigeria continued its march toward consolidating democracy and the fight against corruption and insecurity.
He wished him more years of good health, God’s wisdom and protection as he continued serving Nigeria, Africa and the world.
Obasanjo was born on March 5, 1937. He served as a military head of state from 1976 to 1979 and later as president of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007.