Yahaya Bello hails ex-President Obasanjo at 85 »

Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has sent his felicitations to former President Olusegun Obasanjo on the occasion of his birthday celebration.

Obasanjo, a former military Head of State and a two-term President under civilian rule, clocked 85 on Saturday.

In a statement, issued by his spokesperson, Onogwu Mohammed, Governor Bello praised Obasanjo, describing him as a selfless leader and elder statesman of repute.

“Happy birthday, Your Excellency; in the course of the decades as a Military General, Head of State and the first democratically elected president at the return of democracy in 1999, you have made extraordinary memories and woven your own unique story into the Nigerian narrative.

“You have exhibited uncommon wisdom, remarkable vision, and exemplary leadership to deserve our greatest respect for the lives you have touched and the stability you have brought to our country during your stewardship as Head of State and president respectively. Even though you renounced participation in partisan politics, you do not hold back advisories on matters of governance.

“As a true Pan-Africanist, your peace and mediation roles in other African countries including your recent intervention in the unrest in Tigray region of Ethiopia is a clear testament of your love for peace and stability of the African continent.

“During a meeting with you last year, I could not but marvel at your ageless wisdom and passionate love for the country. We had a fruitful discussion on insecurity and national development and every word from you reeks of optimism that Nigeria will get to the promised land.

“You also encouraged me to sustain the effort in providing security for Kogi State, noting that the fight against insecurity should have everybody on board”, the governor said.

Bello however, prayed to God to continue to protect the statesman with good health and long life.