The Chairman of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) in Anambra, Mr Vincent Ezekwueme, has felicitated former President Olusegun Obasanjo as he clocks 87 years.
He described Obasanjo as a patriotic military officer as well as consummate and astute politician.
Ezekwueme, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu, lauded Obasanjo for being a statesman and detribalised patriotic servant leader, who was courageous, fearless and upright.
He said that Obasanjo, as a military head of state, served the nation to the best of his ability and with greater interest of the masses at heart.
“It is on record that he introduced reformed Local Government System in Nigeria as well as engraved his name as a renowned champion of democracy when he voluntarily relinquished power to democratically elected officials in 1979.
“Pertinently, as a democratic President, he was a bridge builder. He introduced all inclusive government in which his cabinet included members of opposition parties.
“He appointed most qualified Nigerians into sensitive positions based on merits regardless of political affiliations, tribe, religion or clan cleavages.
“He united Nigeria and Nigerians and ensured cancellation of Nigeria’s foreign debts,” he said.
The CLO boss said that Obasanjo deserved to be celebrated as the only President that left office without any foreign debts and left office better than he met it.
“We pray to God to give him more grace, wisdom, good health as he continues to selflessly and patriotically serve God and humanity.
“Wishing him more prosperous, fruitful and progressive years ahead beyond his highest hopes and expectations,” he said.
