‘His influence continues to resonate beyond Nigeria’ — Buhari hails Obasanjo at 85

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated former President Olusegun Obasanjo on his 85th birthday.

Obasanjo was born on March 5, 1937. He served as the country’s head of state from 1976 to 1979.

When the country returned to a democratic dispensation in 1999, he was elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and governed till 2007.

Celebrating the ex-president, Buhari, in a statement released by Femi Adesina, presidential aide, said Obasanjo’s influence has continued to resonate beyond the country to the international community.

“President Buhari believes the former head of state, 1976 — 1979 and former President of Nigeria, 1999-2007, is a study in patriotism, leadership and courage, leading the country to democratic government in 1979, and taking over the reins of power as elected president in 1999,” the statement reads.

“The president affirms that the former president’s influence continues to resonate beyond the country, extending to the international community and multilateral institutions.

“As a former military and civilian leader, with a strong network nationally and internationally, President Buhari extols the wisdom, insight and versatility that Chief Obasanjo brings to bear on things, reflecting his experience, diligence and versatility.

“On his 85th birthday, the president joins family members in thanking God for the life, health and alertness of the former leader, praying for grace and more strength as he serves the country, Africa and the world.”