President Muhammadu Buhari, former Senate President David Mark and others have felicitated with former President Goodluck Jonathan on his 60th birthday.

Mr Buhari, in a statement yesterday by his spokesman Mr Femi Adesina, felicitated with Mr Jonathan on behalf of the Federal Executive Council and all Nigerians.

Buhari, according to Adesina, joins Jonathan’s professional colleagues, associates and family in celebrating “the unique history of the Nigerian leader, who within a short period rose from being a Deputy Governor, Governor, Vice President to becoming Nigeria’s President for six years.”

The president expressed belief that Jonathan’s foray into politics and ascendency to the highest political office in Nigeria from a humble riverine background testifies to the greatness and inclusiveness of Nigeria’s democracy, and serves as an invitation to all those with interest to add value to the nation.

Mr Mark, in a statement by his media aide, Mr Paul Mumeh, said Jonathan left a credible legacy in the country by showing leadership and courage in the interest of the corporate existence of Nigeria when it mattered.

He said Jonathan’s humane and patriotic actions during and after the 2015 general elections added value to the sustainable democracy in the country today.

Senator Mark therefore urged Jonathan to remain steadfast and focused as a statesman who will be willing to contribute to national development in Nigeria and Africa.

Also, ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in a release issued and signed yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Bolaji Abdullahi, recalled the commendable and exemplary conduct of Jonathan before and after the 2015 presidential election. 

The party, therefore, urged him to remain steadfast to the positive ideals he stood for and continue to support the development of the country.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in a statement by its national publicity secretary, Mr Dayo Adeyeye, said Jonathan’s reign recorded significant achievements across all sectors and respect for the fundamental rights of Nigerians. 

“Jonathan consolidated Nigeria’s democracy by ensuring free and fair elections culminating in the historic presidential ‎election of March 2015, in which he graciously conceded defeat and ‎congratulated your opponent even when there were substantial grounds to dispute the outcome,” it said.

Daily Trust