Obasanjo, a rare gem, precious gift to Nigeria, says Atiku 

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

Former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has described erstwhile President Olusegun Obasanjo as a rare gem and precious gift to Nigeria.

Atiku said this in his birthday message to Obasanjo on the occasion of his 88 birthday celebration on Wednesday.

The former Vice President and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the last general election in the country, lauded former President Obasanjo’s

commitment to the unity of Nigeria.

He further hailed Obasanjo for pursuing deliberate policies of inclusiveness and promotion of a one Nigeria agenda, while in government.

Atiku pointed out that the former President gave his all while in office between 1999 and 2007, saying it was an honour to have served with you (Obasanjo) in advancing a pan-Nigerian agenda to give everyone, irrespective of tribe and tongue, religion or political inclinations, the opportunity to thrive for the greater good of the people and beloved country.

Atiku, in his birthday message to Obasanjo, wrote: “former President Olusegun Obasanjo is a rare gem — a precious gift to our dear great country a

“Baba, even your opponents will concede that your commitment to the unity of Nigeria is bar none.

“You have, ever since you happened on our country’s leadership landscape, pursued deliberate policies of inclusiveness and promotion of a one Nigeria agenda.

“On this score, you’ve been consistent and given your all. It was an honour to have served with you in advancing a pan-Nigerian agenda to give everyone, irrespective of tribe and tongue, religion or political inclinations, the opportunity to thrive for the greater good of our people and beloved country.

“On this occasion of your 88th birthday, I, on behalf of my family and team, join millions in Nigeria and worldwide to wish you a happy birthday. I wish you more years in good health and service to our country and humanity”, the message concluded.