President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has described former President Goodluck Jonathan as a great leader who believes in the unity of Nigeria while in office and since he handed over power in 2015.

 Lawan stated this in a statement issued on Saturday by his media aide, Ola Awoniyi, to mark his 64th birthday.

The statement is titled, “Senate President felicitates former President Goodluck Jonathan @64.”

Lawan said, “Since leaving office in Nigeria, President Jonathan has put his high standing, experience and energy to working for peace, democracy and development in Africa.

“The former President has demonstrated how a great leader can continue to play significant role even out of office.

“President Jonathan believes in the Nigerian project and has amply demonstrated this by promoting unity and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.

READ ALSO Tension as gunmen storm Nasarawa community, kill two herdsmen

“His acts of statesmanship have been recognised even outside Nigeria and has made him a good example of leadership in Africa.”

Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party on Saturday felicitated with former President Goodluck Jonathan on his 64th birthday.

The party, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, in Abuja, said that Nigerians across the divides were proud of him.

It described Jonathan as a patriotic leader and national icon, adding that his achievements and personal sacrifices towards the unity and stability of the nation remained unforgettable in the history of Nigeria.