“Tinubu Showers Rare Praise on Jonathan at 68, Hails the Humility That Saved Nigeria’s Democracy”
By Passman Akpos
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended warm felicitations to former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan on the occasion of his 68th birthday, praising his humility, simplicity, and enduring commitment to democratic ideals.
In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, President Tinubu reflected on Jonathan’s remarkable contributions to Nigeria’s political evolution, particularly his role in strengthening the country’s democracy.
Tinubu highlighted Jonathan’s historic concession after the 2015 presidential election, describing it as a defining act of statesmanship that elevated Nigeria’s democratic reputation on the global stage.
“The President joins family, friends, and political associates to celebrate the former President on this special occasion and for his contributions to nation-building,” the statement read.
President Tinubu also acknowledged his previous engagements with Jonathan, recalling their political interactions and the support that contributed to Jonathan’s rise to leadership at pivotal moments in 2010 and during the 2011 presidential election.
He commended Jonathan’s continued efforts on the international stage, where the former president has remained active in promoting democratic culture and values across Africa through high-level diplomatic assignments.
“President Tinubu believes Dr Jonathan’s statesmanship has continued to inspire many leaders, even as he takes up challenging international diplomatic responsibilities,” the statement added.
The President offered prayers for Jonathan’s continued well-being, as well as that of his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, and the entire Jonathan family.
Jonathan, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015, remains one of the country’s most prominent democratic figures, widely celebrated for his famous declaration that his political ambition was not worth the blood of any Nigerian.
