Nyesom Wike, the Rivers State governor, has sent messages of goodwill to former President Goodluck Jonathan as he celebrates his 59th birthday on Sunday, November 20, 2016.
In a statement signed by Austin Tam-George, the Rivers State commissioner of information and communications, Governor Wike described Jonathan as a colossus whose contributions to the consolidation of democratic values in Nigeria is now widely acknowledged and respected across the globe.
“Goodluck Jonathan will continue to be a source of pride and inspiration to Nigerians and other Africans, as his democratic legacy stands in sharp contrast to the darker forces of impunity,” the Rivers governor said.
The governor praised the former president for his selflessness, patriotism and visionary leadership.
Governor Wike wished President Jonathan many more years of service to the course of democracy in Nigeria and across the world.
Dr. Goodluck Jonathan is widely regarded as an African elder statesman for his unprecedented democratic disposition. The former president has been branded a “hero of democracy” for conceding defeat in the 2015 elections and congratulating his rival, General Muhammadu Buhari even when the results had not been announced.
Since leaving office, Dr. Jonathan’s profile continues to rise at home and internationally. He has been invited to present speeches by major media platforms like Bloomberg and institutions like Oxford University and the Presidential Precinct.
