President Goodluck Jonathan said the nation will remain grateful to former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon for “successfully managing and guiding the country through an unfortunate civil war’’.
Jonathan said this in Abuja yesterday in a congratulatory letter he wrote to Gowon to celebrate his 80th birthday coming up on Sunday.
In the letter, signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, Jonathan described the celebrant as a worthy, steadfast and iconic feature of Nigerian history.
The president said the country came out of the war even stronger and more united.
“As you deservedly celebrate this noteworthy anniversary on Oct. 19, I join your family, friends, protégés and well-wishers in celebrating you. I also thank Almighty God for the unique and richly fulfilled life he has blessed you with in these past 80 years. NAN