Tributes Pour In on Jonathan’s 68th Birthday, Foundation Clocks 10

•Tinubu, Fubara, others eulogise ex-president  

•President says Jonathan is guardian of democracy 

•Fubara: He has made remarkable contribution to Nigeria 

•Ex-President: Attah responsible for Akwa Ibom’s improved revenue

•PANDEF hails Jonathan, Attah

Deji Elumoye, Emmanuel Addeh, Chuks Okocha, Sunday Aborisade in Abuja and Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

President Bola Tinubu yesterday felicitated former President Goodluck Jonathan on his 68th birthday, noting the simplicity and humility that defined Jonathan’s style of leadership, particularly his demonstration of statesmanship during the 2015 presidential poll.

The President, in a release issued by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, joined family, friends, and political associates to celebrate the former President on this special occasion and for his contributions to nation-building.

Tinubu recalled his various meetings with the former President, and the support and counsel that made Jonathan’s ascent possible, particularly in 2010, and the presidential election of 2011.

Tinubu said he believed that Jonathan’s statesmanship has continued to inspire many leaders, even as he takes up challenging international diplomatic responsibilities, particularly in promoting democratic culture and values in Africa.

The President prayed for the wellbeing of the former President, his wife, Patience, and the rest of his family.

Separately, Tinubu described Nigeria’s former leader,  Jonathan, as a guardian of democracy whose legacy has extended far beyond his time in office, characterising him as a profound lesson on life after public service.

Stressing that Jonathan preserved Nigeria’s democracy at a moment when it mattered most, Tinubu, who spoke during the 10th anniversary dinner of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation in Abuja, said the former president’s decision to establish the foundation demonstrates that life begins anew when we leave the high offices for which we are elected.

Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima said: “There can never be enough words to express the depth of our national gratitude to him. (He has) remained the same guardian of our collective values since leaving office.”

Tinubu drew a contrast between leaders who use their post-office influence destructively and those who devote themselves to serving humanity. “Some choose a vehicle that serves only themselves, one that pursues causes capable of harming the very society that once carried them. The other group chooses a nobler path: devoting their life to the service of humanity,” he said.

The President warned that democracy across West Africa and globally has come under severe threat over the past decade, weakened by adventurists, by extremists and by actors intoxicated by power as well as by those who see institutions as inconveniences and elections as formalities.

He emphasised that Jonathan had demonstrated a crucial principle that nobody’s ambition supersedes the sovereignty of the state. Tinubu called for national unity and respect for democratic processes, urging Nigerians to accept electoral outcomes regardless of personal preferences.

“No matter whether our preferred candidates win or lose, we must learn to respect the wishes of those who vote differently. Because democracy offers us repeated opportunities to renew our mandates,” he added.

The President described the foundation as a template for everyone, noting that service is a continuum and that leaving office is not the end of one’s national duty but the beginning of a new chapter.

He said: “No government can succeed without the cooperation of its people, and no people can advance without a government that listens and leads with clarity. Our democracy stands because of people like former President Goodluck Jonathan. People who believe that the Nigerian state is bigger than any individual.”

Tinubu congratulated Jonathan and his team, expressing hope that the foundation would continue to be a light on our path toward a more peaceful and prosperous Africa.

Earlier, the former President thanked Shettima, former President Ernest Koroma of Sierra Leone and other dignitaries for the honour of attending his Foundation’s 10th anniversary.

Recalling the incident that led to the birthing of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, the former President said the focus of the foundation was prompted by his experience and challenges while in office as Nigeria’s leader.

He said over the years, the foundation has paid close attention and worked relentlessly on the issues of diplomacy, good governance, election management and promoting the development of democratic institutions.

Jonathan expressed his condolences over the recent incidents of abduction and attack on citizens across the country, calling on political leaders to be more responsible to the issue plaguing the security and wellbeing of Nigerians.

Also speaking, the guest speaker, Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas, underscored the significance of functional democracy in Nigeria, emphasising that the youths must be at the centre of all interventions.

He said building a stable future for Africa must be anchored on the functionality of democratic institutions, effective youth empowerment schemes, a free press and an independent judiciary.

Chambas extolled the leadership qualities of President Goodluck Jonathan, describing him as an African leader who believes in the values of true democracy and the sanctity of human lives, noting that the former president has proven his relevance even outside public office.

Also present at the event were former President of Sierra Leone, Dr Ernest Bai Koroma; former First Ladies, Dame Patience Jonathan and Hajiya Maryam Abacha; Former Secretaries to the Government of the Federation, Senator Pius Anyim and Mr Boss Mustapha; former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Waziri Tambuwal; former Governors of Imo, Emeka Ihedioha; Sokoto, Attahiru Bafarawa; Adamawa, Boni Haruna; Plateau, Chief Jonah Jang; philanthropist, Hajiya Bola Shagaya; former deputy governors; serving and former legislators; former Ministers; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and captains of Industry, among others.

Also, the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has felicitated with the former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, on his 68th birthday. Fubara, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi praised the former President for his leadership qualities and commitment to democracy.

He eulogised former president Jonathan for his contributions to the nation’s development, particularly during his tenure as President.

The governor stated: “On behalf of my family, Government and the good people of Rivers State, praised Dr Jonathan for his leadership qualities, commitment to democracy, peace, unity and development”, noting that his patriotic and selfless service to the nation, Africa, and the world have been truly exemplary.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Rivers State, I warmly congratulate His Excellency, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, on his birthday today.  We eulogise his remarkable achievements and contributions to our nation’s development, particularly during his tenure as President. His commitment to democracy, peace, unity and stability has earned him respect and global admiration.”

Fubara wished the former President good health, sound mind, and many more years of fruitful living to continue his service to humanity. He also prayed to God to continue to inspire him with wisdom and dedication to public service.

Also yesterday, the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) celebrated Jonathan and former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah, describing both statesmen as towering pillars of progress whose legacies continue to define the political, economic, and social evolution of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

In a goodwill message personally signed by its National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, PANDEF extolled Jonathan, who turned 68, and Attah, who clocked 87, for their “indelible marks on the nation” and for leading lives that have inspired generations.

Igali said the South-South region remains deeply grateful for their consistent advocacy, reforms, and far-reaching contributions, spanning academia, architecture, public administration, politics, and policy innovation, which have shaped national discourse and advanced the cause of justice and federal equity.

The statement read in part: “Your dedication to nation-building, democracy, and the pursuit of greatness has earned you a revered place among Nigeria’s most illustrious leaders. We, the people of the Niger Delta, are particularly grateful for your tireless advocacy for our region’s rights and interests, including the landmark achievement of fiscal federalism, especially the 13 percent derivation principle and environmental remediation.”

Jonathan, Nigeria’s former President, and Attah, a foremost architect and one of Nigeria’s most influential former governors, were praised for their visionary leadership and for championing the rights of oil-producing communities long before such conversations gained national momentum.

PANDEF expressed gratitude to God for preserving the lives of the two elder statesmen, noting that both men have continued to play advisory and stabilising roles in national affairs even after leaving office.

Meanwhile,  Jonathan yesterday emphasised the need for leaders to leave behind lasting legacies while in office, stating that leadership is best cherished when communities are improved .

Jonathan spoke when he joined Nigerians to honour former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Attah, who turned 87 and unveiled his official biography, “Attah: Architect of a New Democratic Dawn”, authored by noted columnist, Dr. Dele Sobowale.

He said that Attah used his leadership role to improve the derivative principles and revenue base of the Niger Delta communities

“Attah used his leadership to ensure that the onshore and offshore dichotomy was removed in calculation of the oil revenue. He is a champion of his people as far as improved revenue is concerned,’’ Jonathan said.

Jonathan, who described Attah as a champion of increased revenue derivation for the Niger Delta region, said he championed the derivation principle of 13 per cent.

He described the former governor as “one of the lions of the struggle” for ending the onshore–offshore dichotomy, noting that Attah’s persistence after an unfavourable Supreme Court ruling laid the fiscal foundation that repositioned Akwa Ibom.

Jonathan also lauded the former governor’s leadership ethos, describing him as a man of vision, clarity of purpose and lasting impact. “At 87, Obong Attah embodies a life dedicated to service,” he said.

The celebration drew a wide array of national figures — political leaders, administrators, traditional rulers and elder statesmen — among them former Adamawa State Governor Boni Haruna, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas (represented), former Information Minister Labaran Maku, former Governor Niyi Adebayo, ex-military Governor of Rivers State, Alfred Diette-Spiff, former Edo Governor Chief Lucky Igbinedion, Senator Kofo Bucknor-Akerele, Afenifere representative, Chief Supo Shonibare, the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, and Senator Ben Obi.

Also in attendance were the Akwa Ibom Governor’s representative, Deputy Governor, former Chief of Staff to the President Chief Mike Ogiadomhe, King A.J. Turner, former Foreign Minister Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (rtd), and former Minister of Women Affairs Dame Paulen Tallen.

Jonathan, who chaired the presentation, used the occasion to remind Nigerians — particularly younger Akwa Ibomites of Attah’s central role in reshaping the country’s oil-revenue distribution framework.

Earlier, Ambassador Godknows Igali, who headed the Book Launch Committee, commended Jonathan for placing Attah’s celebration ahead of his own birthday engagements.

Taking the podium, Attah expressed appreciation to  Sobowale, noting that the biography took 13 years to complete due to repeated delays and his own insistence on high standards.