GOODLUCK Jonathan, the immediate past President of Nigeria, on Sunday joined other Nigerians through his verified Twitter account to eulogise the late President Umaru Yar’Adua, nine years after his death.
“On this day nine years ago I lost a friend, colleague, brother, and boss, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. He was a selfless leader who placed national interest above personal and ethnic gains,” Jonathan stated in a tribute to the late Yar’Adua.
“He used the opportunity he had in public service to build bridges of love, foster unity and give hope to Nigerians.”
Yar’Adua, the 13th President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was born on 16th August 1951 in Katsina and died at the Aso Villa on 5th May 2010.
On this day nine years ago I lost a friend, colleague, brother, and boss, President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua. He was a selfless leader who placed national interest above personal and ethnic gains.
— Goodluck E. Jonathan (@GEJonathan) May 5, 2019
He is believed by many as the president who would have truly transformed and unite the nation but never had the opportunity due to health challenges.
In an election widely described as flawed, Yar’Adua contested for the presidential position in 2007, won with 24.6 million votes according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and sworn in on May 29, 2007.
Jonathan, however, praised the deceased for his love for democracy, describing him as a true “servant leader.”
In his tribute, former presidential candidate in the just concluded general election, Atiku Abubakar described the late Yar’Adua as a patriot and compassionate leader.
“This day, 9 years ago, Nigeria lost a patriot and a compassionate leader in President Umaru Yar’Adua. May Allah SWT continue to shine His Noor on his face. Amin. – AA”
Bukola Saraki, the Senate President, also eulogised the late president in a message shared on his verified social media account.
The lawmaker recognised the late Yar’Adua for his integrity, selflessness and great style of leadership.
“Today, I remember the selfless statesman, former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, who passed on 9-years ago. His legacy of integrity as a great leader will always remain indelible in our hearts. May the mercy of Almighty Allah (SWT) continue to be upon him. Amin.”
Several other Nigerians have described Yar’Adua as the best president Nigeria ever had.
Olugbenga heads the Investigations Desk at The ICIR. Do you have a scoop? Shoot him an email at oadanikin@icirnigeria.org. Twitter Handle: @OluAdanikin