The Head of Service of the Federation, Mr Danladi Kefasi, on Sunday, May 10, 2015 described outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan as a detribalised Nigerian who has mixed traits of humility, fairness, equity and justice.
In a similar fashion, the special adviser to the president on Niger Delta Affairs, Mr George Turner, described him as a statesman who Nigerians would run to for advice and counselling.
The two public officials made these assertions during separate interviews with journalists in Abuja after a thanksgiving and farewell service in honour of the president’s family at the Cathedral Church of the Advent, Life Camp.
Kefasi maintained that the president is devoid of discrimination either on the basis of religion, tribe or otherwise.
He said, “For example, I have no godfather in the system but today God used him to make me the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
“He is a nationalist, a patriot, who spent a lot of his time in the office working for Nigeria, who provided leadership for job creation for young people,’’ he said.
Kefasi said that the level of unemployment “is so large that the much that has been achieved during his time may appear as though nothing has happened’’ but added that his achievements are numerous.”
He said an outstanding one was the National Investment Authority that he established as a venture capital formation for investors to access to develop infrastructure in Nigeria.
“You can see that even though humble, he has been able to, through team work, achieve so much.
“I believe, as I read in the papers that the incoming president has promised, that he will carry the relay from here further forward for the continued development of our dear country.’’
In his remarks, Turner said, “Although we were close to our Jerusalem and moving slowly but steadily in the course of taking Nigeria to its destination, what has happened has happened and to God be the glory.’’
He said the transformation agenda was clear while Mr President was on course.
“As Mr President has asked we owe the incoming administration prayers because the greater good for the greater number of persons is the ultimate goal.
“We of the Jonathan family will continue to stand by those things that Mr President holds very dear, his beliefs and everything that he is known for.
“We will continue to stand for this country and to continue to offer our very best in ensuring that Nigeria becomes a home suitable for all.
“We wish Mr President well as he retires. We pray that God will continue to uphold him and strengthen him.
‘He is now a statesman, meaning that Nigeria will even look up to him the more to offer advice and counseling,’’ Turner said.
He also prayed that God will grant the president and his wife the strength and good health to continue to give their best in building generations that would take Nigeria to greater heights.
