Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo and his wife
Chief (Mrs) Bola Obasanjo during the thanksgiving
service of his 80th Birthday @ Glorious Chapel of
Christ in Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library.
International and Worldwide General Overseer of The
Redeemed Christian Church of God Pastor Adeboye.
Former President His Excellency Dr. Goodluck Ebele
Jonathan and President of Liberia Her Excellency Ellen
Johnson Sirleaf
Former Head of Interim National Government
Chief Earnest Shonekan and his wife.
President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday called former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, and Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, from his medical vacation in London.
While the president called Obasanjo to felicitate with him on the occasion of his 80th birthday, he merely called to interact with Bello.
A statement issued in Abuja Sunday night by the Special
Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said:
"In a phone call from London, where he is convalescing, President Buhari told
the former military ruler (1976 to 1979) and democratically elected president
(1999 to 2007) that a time like this provides opportunity to reflect on
Obasanjo's invaluable roles and contributions to the unity and cohesion of
Nigeria, the brotherhood of all Africans, as well as peace and amity over the
globe."
He said Buhari described the former president as "a
true citizen of the world".
Recalling their days in the military, President Buhari said:
"Those of us who served under you in various capacities recall a man with
boundless energy, with razor sharp mind, and one who does not suffer fools
gladly. Working with you was a school in itself, and the lessons learnt are
worth their weight in gold."
Adesina said Obasanjo wished Buhari good health, saying he
stood together with him in prayers, so that he could return soon to continue
the good work he is doing for the country.
While speaking with Bello, President Buhari said he was
returning soon to continue the project of fixing Nigeria after a time of rest
in London.
THISDAY gathered that during the conversation, two men paid
compliments to one another on what they had done in office.
Governor Bello would be the second governor President Buhari
would speak with after his discussion with Governor Ganduje of Kano State.
The president had also been reported to have spoken with the
Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung, who recently lost his wife and with foreign
leaders, including President Donald Trump of the United States, Moroccan
leader, King Mohammed VI and African Union chairperson, President Alpha Conde
of Guinea.
The phone conversation which happened in Lagos on the
governor's trip back from President Obasanjo's 80th birthday celebrations which
lasted for minutes, was in the presence of the speaker, Kogi State House of
Assembly, a few other members of the House, commissioners and other top
government functionaries.
The president, who thanked the governor for his support and
his leadership qualities, told him that he was observing rest and would return very
soon to continue his assignment of providing purposeful leadership for the
nation.
President: "Governor Yahaya Bello, I am impressed by
your leadership qualities, what you are doing in Kogi State and all your
prayers and support for me and Nigeria.
I am resting here and will soon return home to continue our
project of fixing Nigeria," the governor was quoted as saying in a press
statement made available by the Director-General of the governor's Media Team.
Responding, Governor Bello was quoted as saying: "Nigeria has won respect
globally because of your integrity and the anti-graft war that has been hugely
successful.
"We are praying for you. Kogites and Nigerians are
solidly behind your administration as we continue to wish you sound health and
the grace of Allah."
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