Goodluck Jonathan earns warm praise as Tinubu and governors celebrate his 68th birthday, hailing his leadership and democratic values

President Bola Tinubu and several state governors have showered Goodluck Jonathan earns warm praise as the former Nigerian leader marked his 68th birthday during a commemorative dinner in Abuja on Thursday.

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Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the 10th anniversary celebration of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, described Jonathan as a guardian of democracy whose conduct after leaving office continues to reinforce the nation’s political institutions.

Shettima, quoting the President in a statement issued by his aide Stanley Nkwocha, said the former leader had become a profound lesson on life after public service and a shining example of dignified leadership.

Tinubu noted that Jonathan had taught political actors and the electorate the value of respecting electoral outcomes, emphasising that democracy thrives because it allows mandates to be renewed peacefully.

He added that the country owed Jonathan immense gratitude for remaining steadfast in upholding national values, especially at a time when democratic norms across West Africa are under pressure from what he called adventurists and actors intoxicated by power.

The President praised Jonathan for choosing what he termed the nobler path of serving humanity beyond public office, insisting that Nigeria’s democracy stands stronger because of leaders like him.

He said the work of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation had become a powerful model of post-office service and national commitment.

Jonathan, in his response, thanked Shettima, former Sierra Leonean President Ernest Bai Koroma and other dignitaries for honouring the event.

He said the foundation’s activities were inspired by the lessons of his time in office and used the platform to commiserate with Nigerians affected by recent attacks and abductions.

He urged leaders to deepen their responsiveness to citizens’ security and welfare.

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara also extended heartfelt birthday wishes, describing Jonathan as a patriot whose devotion to democracy, peace and unity continues to command global respect.

His message, signed by his Chief Press Secretary Nelson Chukwudi, highlighted the former President’s remarkable contributions to national development.

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed joined in the tributes, celebrating Jonathan’s rise from modest beginnings to the presidency and describing him as a statesman of rare integrity and vision.

In a statement issued by his aide Mukhtar Gidado, Mohammed said Jonathan’s peaceful concession of defeat in the 2015 election remained a defining milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

He added that the former President had left an indelible mark on the nation’s social, economic and political development.

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As leaders across the country reflected on Jonathan’s legacy, the evening’s sentiments captured a powerful truth: the former President’s calm statesmanship and commitment to democratic ideals remain a guiding light in an era hungry for responsible leadership.