PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday congratulated former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on his 76th birthday.
According to a statement issued in Abuja by the president’s special adviser on media and publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, President Jonathan said Nigerians remain indebted to Obasanjo for his effort at ensuring peace, stability and development of Nigeria.
“Over the years, you have always readily given yourself to the cause of the peace, stability, growth and development of our country, Nigeria. For this, we owe you an enduring debt of gratitude,” the official statement from the State House read.
“As you celebrate with family, friends and well-wishers, I pray that Almighty God continues to guide, guard, and prosper you, even as He blesses you with many more years of robust health and abiding fulfillment,” the statement added.
Mr. Jonathan’s public felicitation with the former president on his birthday flies in the face of what many see as tension between the duo, who appear to have fallen out in recent times over disagreement on leadership style.
The president’s office in Abuja had a few weeks ago responded in sharp tones to what it saw as an affront on President Jonathan, following former president Olusegun Obasanjo’s criticism of how the Jonathan Administration was doing to tackle the menace of Boko Haram, among other security challenges in the country.
Also, in his capacity as the president’s chief media aide, Mr. Abati released a series of tweets calling into question Mr. Obasanjo’s stewardship as president, highlighting among others the issue of the military operation in the community of Odi in Bayelsa State under Obasanjo’s watch.
The military practically overran Odi, after several law enforcement personnel were abducted and killed by unidentified members of the community.
Despite their obvious disagreements, the president and the former continue to show what seems to be a friendly public face, with Mr. Jonathan traveling to London last month to attend the launch of Mr. Obasanjo’s newly founded eponymous foundation, the Obasanjo Foundation.
The seemingly friendly interaction continues with President Jonathan’s birthday message to Mr. Obasanjo on Tuesday, wishing the latter well on behalf of his family and the people of Nigeria.
“On behalf of my family, the government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and on my own behalf, I write to express warm felicitations to you on the occasion of your 76th birthday anniversary which comes up on Tuesday, March 5th 2013,” the president said.