President Muhammadu Buhari congratulated former President, Goodluck Jonathan, on his 63rd birthday.
The President’s congratulatory message was contained in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, and titled ‘President Buhari greets former President Goodluck Jonathan on 63rd birthday’.
The statement read, “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.
“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.”
Before Jonathan became President in 2010, he served as Vice President to his predecessor, the late President Umar Yar’adua, as his successor after his death on May 5, 2010.
Jonathan had served as Governor of Bayelsa, after he succeeded his impeached boss, the late Diepreye Alamieyesiegha, before his nomination as Yar’adua’s running mate for the 2007 presidential contest.
The former Bayelsa Governor did win a new four-year term in 2011, but could not secure a second term as President in 2015.
Jonathan’s loss to Buhari in the Presidential election made him the first incumbent democratic president in Nigeria to lose an election.
His refusal to contest the result of the election was a decision that was greatly applauded across Africa and beyond.
Goodluck Jonathan, clocks 63 on Friday, November 20, 2020.
