Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has described former President Olusegun Obasanjo as “Nigeria’s most authentic living statesman whose life’s odyssey has become an invaluable source of history.”

Ikpeazu stated this in a warm birthday message to Obasanjo on his 84th birthday on Friday, noting that the former president lived for Nigeria and gave the best of his years to the sustenance of the unity and democratic development of the country.

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The governor described him as a man who had the very exceptional privilege of serving as both a military and democratically elected president of the country.

Ikpeazu, who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Onyebuchi Ememanka, said, “Both as military head of state and a civilian president, Obasanjo’s belief in the supremacy of democracy remained unshaken.

“Even in retirement, his voice continues to reverberate on issues of national and global importance. President Obasanjo has become a living legend. He stands tall in the hall of fame of the greatest African leaders. His life has become a living encyclopedia of the history of our country.

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“He has become a strong voice both locally and internationally on issues affecting the development of democracy and global affairs. Without a shadow of a doubt, Obasanjo’s well deserved place in history is assured.”