Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday congratulated a former military Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), as he marks his 76 birthday.

Jonathan whose goodwill message was contained in a statement issued by his spokesman, Ikechukwu Eze, described Abubakar as a great patriot and a man of peace.

He said it was Abubakar, who “mid-wife” the shortest but most successful transition of power from the military to a democratically elected civilian, noting that Nigeria owed Abubakar a debt of gratitude.

Jonathan said,

“May you be blessed because just as the Muslim Ummah celebrates the end of Ramadan, Nigeria celebrates you for ending military rule.

“On this very special anniversary, I join you, your family, well-wishers and millions of other Nigerians to give thanks to Almighty God for a life of great achievements and inspiring service to humanity.

“Your exemplary patriotism and deep commitment to the development and unity of our nation is evident in your enduring legacies, having served Nigeria as a brave soldier and Head of State; who heeded the call to national duty at a time of distress and helped navigate our dear nation to the democracy which it now enjoys.

“I wish you good health and more productive years so that our great country will continue to benefit from your wisdom and wealth of experience.”