Liberia’s President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf on Monday in Lagos commended former President Olusegun Obasanjo for his “early endorsement of democracy that is sweeping’’ through the African continent.
The Liberian gave the commendation in remarks she made at a reception for Obasanjo to mark his 75th birthday.
“We (including President? Ernest? Koroma of? Sierra Leone, who was in attendance) are here on behalf of the West African leadership to honour him for the leadership he has exhibited; his suggestions; his advice and sometimes criticisms,’’ she said.
Recalling the civil wars that ravaged Liberia and Sierra Leone, Johnson Sirleaf? said of Obasanjo: “we honour him for the peace that reigns in our countries; his courage and commitment where there was no one else there.’’
Earlier Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs minister, Gbenga Ashiru, recalled Nigeria’s pariah state status before the return of democracy under President Olusegun Obasanjo on May 29, 1999.
He said Obasanjo’s magic wand in diplomatic circles opened the flood gate of visits by foreign dignitaries to Nigeria leading to the risen profile of the country.
Ashiru said Obasanjo’s efforts brought integrity to Nigeria and Nigerians benefited from the goodwill.
Senate President David Mark described the former president as one “filled with the milk of human kindness’’ who had given his life in the service of Nigeria.
In his remarks, Gov. Liyel Imoke of Cross River said Obasanjo was a great man “truly deserving of celebration’’.
Gov. Godswill Akpabio of? Akwa Ibom also said at the reception that Obasanjo “is father of modern Nigeria’’ and architect of the anti-corruption institutions in the country. (NAN)