Obasanjo’s Place In Global History Is Assured – Buhari

Source: thewillnigeria.com

BEVERLY HILLS, March 04, (THEWILL) – President Muhammadu Buhari has noted that the place of former President, Olusegun Obasanjo in global history is assured in view of his successful handover of power to a civilian government in 1979 after serving as a military Head of State, as well as his feat in negotiating a debt relief for Nigeria upon his return to power in 1999.

He observed that Obasanjo's vision and commitment to the growth of Nigeria and Africa translated into a historical growth rate of 6 percent for the Nigerian economy after a long period of slow growth, and also created a rippling effect that buoyed other African economies.

Buhari showered these encomiums on his predecessor in a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, to celebrate Obasanjo as he celebrates his 79th birthday tomorrow, March 5th.

He added that the former President has contributed immensely to the institutionalization of democracy in Nigeria and Africa through his personal sacrifice, extensive local and international networks, and God-given wisdom.

The statement reads in part, “As he turns 79, the President avers that the former president's regular shuttles across Nigeria and Africa to counsel on economic, social and political issues, and his willingness to head election monitoring teams that have heralded smooth transitions in many countries are legacies which generations will remain grateful.

“President Buhari prays that the Almighty God will grant the Balogun of the Owu lineage, who is also the Ekerin Balogun of the Egba clan, long life and strength to continue his service to humanity.”