….Salutes his uncommon courage and leadership qualities

The University of Port Harcourt Alumni Association has felicitated with the former President, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, on his 61st  birthday.

Jonathan

In a statement on Monday, the National President of the Alumni Association, Chris Adokeme, said Dr. Jonathan demonstrated uncommon courage and an uncanny foresight when in 2015 when he peacefully handed over to the current government.

According to the statement:

“On behalf of the University of Port Harcourt Alumni Association, I heartily congratulate our distinguished Alumnus and Grand Patron, a former President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, on his 61st  birthday.

Your Excellency, you demonstrated uncommon courage and an uncanny foresight when in 2015 you peacefully handed over the baton of leadership to your opponent even when you knew you had been robbed of victory through a crafty conspiracy beyond the shores of the land.

As you launch your book, “My Transition Hours,”  to commemorate your birthday, we are reminded of the fact that despite the enormous powers as Commander-in-Chief, you demonstrated courage, presence of mind and strong leadership by showing that your word: “My political ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian“ is your bond.

As we mark another milestone in your life, I on behalf of the UNIQUE UNIPORT Alumni Association thank you for showing Nigerians and the world at large that democracy and the freedom that comes with it can only be provided by true leaders and statesmen that know the real value of their words.

We celebrate you because as Nigeria goes through a very tough socio-economic and political phase, many remember your prophetic words that Nigerians would miss your style of governance and the freedom of expression you provided because, according to you, ”democracy calls for sacrifice and tolerance, an open ear and a strong voice.”

Today, we also celebrate your numerous achievements and the massive infrastructural foundations you laid, which this and other administrations will build upon to take Nigeria to the promised land.

As we prepare for another decisive election, we pray Nigerians would use this birthday as a period of sober reflection to remember once again your very words: “Any society or country that closes the vital valves of its democratic space cannot develop at a reasonable pace.”

Today we salute our Number One Alumnus.

God bless you, your wonderful wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, and your entire family now and always.

Happy Birthday and Congratulations Sir.”