Former President Goodluck Jonathan has heaped praise on former Head of State Abdulsalam Abubakar who turns 76 today.
In a statement by his media aide, Ikechukwu Eze, the former president described Abubakar as a patriot and a man of peace who Nigeria owes a debt of gratitude.
Jonathan lauded Abubakar for arranging the shortest transition from military to civilian rule that has brought the longest civilian dispensation in the nation’s history, describing it as proof of the ex-general’s great wisdom.
He further described as a fitting tribute that Abubakar’s birthday falls close to the Eid-el-Fitri celebration.
“May you be blessed because just as the Muslim Ummah celebrates the end of Ramadan, Nigeria celebrates you for ending military rule.
“On this very special anniversary, I join you, your family, well-wishers and millions of other Nigerians to give thanks to Almighty God for a life of great achievements and inspiring service to humanity.”