Obasanjo at 83: Buhari congratulates former boss, extols him as an exemplar in service to humanity

President Muhammadu Buhari has joined world leaders to felicitate with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, also a retired Army general like Buhari, on the milestone of his 83^rd birthday.

In a message commemorating Obasanjo’s birthday on March 5, Buhari who served as Minister of Petroleum Resources under Obasanjo as military Head of State (1977-79), acknowledged and lauded his commitment to Nigeria’s nationhood as outstanding.

Persecondnews recalls that Obasanjo came back to power in 1999 through the ballot at the return of Nigeria to democracy.

In 1979, General Obasanjo had handed over power to President Shehu Shagari of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in the second republic while Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari took over from Shagari on December 31, 1983 in a bloodless military coup.

Buhari also noted the sacrifices Obasanjo had made for humanity, underscoring his sacrifices for the continent, including standing up for democracy in many countries.

“President Muhammadu Buhari sends warm greetings to former President Olusegun Obasanjo on his 83rd birthday, March 5, 2020, congratulating him for a life of courage, dedication and service to Nigeria, Africa, and humanity in general.

“President Buhari joins family members, friends and associates of the former president in celebrating the milestone, adding that Chief 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,’’the President said in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina.

His prayers: “As the former president celebrates the auspicious occasion, President Buhari prays that the almighty God will grant him longer life, good health and strength to keep serving the nation and the continent.’’