Jonathan, Amaechi Extol Obasanjo’s Virtues

President Goodluck Jonathan said last Saturday that his administration would continue to build on the foundation laid during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s regime for the transformation of the country.
The President made the statement in Abeokuta at a civic reception organised for Obasanjo by the South-West Zone of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in recognition of his contributions to the party and the nation.
Jonathan, who was represented by the Vice President, Namadi Sambo, noted that Obasanjo, during his administration, had laid a solid foundation for successive governments in Nigeria through initiation and implementation of great policies.
The President, who described Obasanjo as a national Icon and an outstanding Nigerian statesman, said his administration would not deviate from the core values of Obasanjo’s administration.
The President gave assurance that his administration was already addressing major hindrances to the development of the nation. He noted that government’s interventions in the area of power, agriculture, health and infrastructure, among others, were already yielding positive results.
Governors Emmanuel Uduaghan and Godswill Akpabio of Delta and Akwa-Ibom states respectively, also extolled the virtues of the former President at the programme, describing him as “the defender of the defenceless”. They both recalled how Obasanjo fought on the part of justice against the powers that opposed them in their respective states when they sought elections as governors.
While Uduaghan described Obasanjo as a detribalised Nigerian, Akpabio said that the former President transcended cultural, religious and political leanings. Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo, in his remarks, noted that Obasanjo only needed the PDP as a vehicle to lead the country. He argued that Obasanjo’s stature transcended any party in Nigeria, describing him as “the father of all.’’
The National Chairman of PDP, Alhaji Bamangar Tukur, also described Obasanjo as a living legend, recalling that the party made giant strides during his administration. He described Obasanjo as a symbol of hope, noting that he was relentless and fought with dogged determination at a time when most Nigerians had given up hope about the nation. Responding, Obasanjo appreciated organisers of the event, and attributed all his accomplishment to God.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governor and Chairman, Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, says the former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, popularly called ‘OBJ’ is  an embodiment of greatness”, whose contributions to nation building are unquantifiable.
Gov Amaechi was represented by his Deputy, Engr Tele Ikuru.
In his address read by the Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, on behalf of the NGF, Governor Amaechi extolled the virtues of the former president, stating that Obasanjo has made an indelible mark on the leadership barometer of the country, adding that members of the NGF wish him well in his future endeavour.
Responding, the former president expressed appreciation for the honour done on him, stating that nothing can gladden my heart when government at all levels is doing what is right’, attributing his success story to God and the self-less desire to serve his country.
Also the former Ghanaian President, John Kuffo extolled the virtues of former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, describing him as “a gift to Africa’’.
Kuffo, who delivered the keynote address, described the programme as exemplary, noting that very few heroes and legends were celebrated during their lifetime.
He described Obasanjo as a friend, a brother, a confidant and a sympathetic African leader who had contributed immensely to the uplift and transformation of less endowed African countries.
He described Obasanjo as “a growing concern’’ who had continued to work tirelessly for the unity and transformation of the African continent.
Chief Earnest Shonekan, the former Head of Interim National Government, described Obasanjo as a man of integrity.
He noted that Obasanjo was the first Nigerian Military leader who in 1979 relinquished power peacefully to a democratically elected government.
Shonekan said that Obasanjo was passionately committed to the unity and transformation of Nigeria.
The Senate President, David Mark, described Obasanjo as an outstanding Nigerian statesman and a national icon whose love for the nation would be difficult to surpass.
Responding, Obasanjo appreciated the organisers of the programme, attributing his accomplishments to “the grace of God’’.
He said three principles normally guided his actions in life namely: “Can I defend my action before God? Can I defend my action before the people? Will my action benefit majority of people?’’
He said a leader should be “fearless and courageous’’ and be ready to step on “toes’’ whenever it was necessary.
Obasanjo also expressed optimism that Nigeria and the African continent would very soon be ranked as one of the best countries and continents in the world, respectively.