President Muhammadu Buhari has sent a goodwill message to his predecessor, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, on the occasion of his birthday.
Jonathan will be 60 years old on Monday.
In a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the president said he rejoiced with Jonathan.
He added that Jonathan’s entry into politics and eventual emergence as the president of the country despite his humble beginning was instructive.
The statement reads in part: “President Buhari joins members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), professional colleagues, associates of Dr. Jonathan, and his 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…
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“President Buhari believes Dr. 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.”
Jonathan served as Nigeria’s President from 2010 to 2015.
He became the vice-president in from 2007 and took over in 2010 following the death of President Umaru Yar’Adua.
Jonathan was previously Governor of Bayelsa State of Bayelsa State from 2005 to 2007.
He lost the presidency to Muhammadu Buhari in 2015.
He was born in Bayelsa State to a family of canoe makers and once revealed that as a pupil, he went to school shoeless.
