TheCable

President Muhammadu Buhari says Goodluck Jonathan, his predecessor, has brought honour to Nigeria.

While felicitating with Jonathan on his birthday, Buhari said on Thursday the former president has earned Nigeria goodwill.

He commended him for his efforts towards peace as an envoy of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), specifically with regard to Mali.

“On behalf of the Federal Government and Nigerians in general, President Muhammadu Buhari warmly felicitates with former President Goodluck Jonathan on his 63rd birthday, November 20, 2020, congratulating him for a life of service that has brought honour and goodwill to the country,” a statement by Femi Adesina, presidential spokesman, said.

“The President notes, with appreciation, the peculiar and remarkable climb of the former president on Nigeria’s political ladder, and dedication that has kept him working most recently as ECOWAS envoy to bring peace to the Republic of Mali.

“As the former Nigerian President turns 63, President Buhari prays that the Almighty God will grant Dr Jonathan longer life, good health and more wisdom to keep serving the nation and humanity.”

After the military coup in Mali in August, Jonathan led an ECOWAS delegation to negotiate the release of Ibrahim Keita, the ousted president, and the restoration of constitutional government.

He has also led AU and ECOWAS teams on various election monitoring missions, most recently in Tanzania.