Tinubu Celebrates Obasanjo At 88, Acknowledges His ‘Sometimes Controversial’ National Interventions

WEDNESDAY March 5, 2025 |TheNewsDESK
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Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has described former President Olusegun Obasanjo as an “extraordinary leader and statesman” whose contributions to Nigeria’s development remain indelible, ThePUNCH reports.

He also said Obasanjo’s regular interventions in national affairs, sometimes controversial have helped shape public policies and put leaders in check.

In a birthday tribute on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, to mark Obasanjo’s 88th birthday, President Tinubu hailed the former president’s decades-long service to the nation, acknowledging his role in shaping Nigeria’s political landscape both as a military and civilian leader.

“Providence has constantly thrust General Obasanjo to the forefront at critical junctures in Nigeria’s story,” Tinubu said.

He recounted Obasanjo’s pivotal role in ending the Nigerian Civil War, noting that as a colonel in the Nigerian Army, he received the instrument of surrender from Biafran Army Commander, Col. Philip Effiong, in 1970.

The President also highlighted Obasanjo’s leadership following the assassination of General Murtala Muhammed in 1976, commending his commitment to democracy by overseeing a transition to civilian rule in 1979.

“Twenty years later, in 1999, he emerged as a civilian president, freed from prison a year earlier, to herald the rebirth of another democratic dispensation, which recently clocked 25 years and still counting,” the President stated.

Beyond his time in office, Tinubu acknowledged the former President’s enduring influence in national and global affairs, describing him as an “ambassador of global peace and a troubleshooter,” whose efforts in conflict resolution and governance advocacy have earned him respect across Africa and beyond.

“Sometimes controversial, former President Obasanjo’s regular interventions in national affairs have helped shape public policies and acted as a check on leadership,
” he added.

The president lauded Obasanjo’s statesmanship and dedication to national unity, peace, and progress, praying for continued strength and wisdom for the former leader.

“At 88, the former president is still gaining strength. I pray that God Almighty will grant him more years so the nation and Africa can continue to benefit from his wisdom and knowledge,” Tinubu said.