Jonathan, Ahmed laud Ekwueme at 80

As former Vice President, Chief Alex Ekwueme, celebrates his 80th birthday on October 21, 2012, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State have eulogised him as a living personification of the highest ideals of patriotism and selfless service.
In a congratulatory letter to Chief Ekwueme, President Jonathan extolled the former vice president’s laudable contributions to national development over the years, saying that his “unassailable integrity and consummate diligence” have made him one of Nigeria’s most respected elder statesmen.
Jonathan wrote: “On the occasion of your landmark 80th birthday anniversary, I join your family, friends, and well-wishers in thanking Almighty God for the richly fulfilled life He has blessed you with.
“A thorough-bred professional, an accomplished administrator and leader of men, an epitome of the highest ideals of selfless service and unwavering patriotism, your unassailable integrity and consummate diligence have combined to make you one of our most respected national icons today.
“Over the years, you have consistently invested the benefit of your inspiring attributes in dedicated service to our dear country, while continuing to avail our generation of leaders of your enduring wise counsel. It is my prayer that Almighty God continues to keep and prosper you even as He blesses you with robust health and a life of perpetual fulfilment.”
On behalf of his family, the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the President wished Chief Ekwueme very happy birthday celebrations.
Ahmed described the second republic vice president and pioneer Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party as a symbol of peace, unity and harmony in the country.
The governor added that Dr. Ekweme is a detribalised Nigerian whose love and interest for his people has made him to identify with successive administrations in order to give the nation and her people the best leadership they deserve.
Ahmed, in a congratulatory message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Alhaji Abdulwahab Oba, to mark the 80th anniversary celebration of the elder statesman said: “Truly, you are an epitome of peace and unity in our nation.”
Ahmed recalled the numerous achievements recorded by Dr. Ekweme during the Second Republic as vice president and recently as a party stalwart, adding: “With no doubt, the 80 years birthday which the world joins you to celebrate, is indeed remarkable.”
The governor prayed God to grant him sound health in order to do more for the nation most especially at this challenging period.
He added: “Your modesty, humility and political sagacity contributed in no small measure to the successes recorded by the National Party of Nigeria in the 1979 and 1983 elections. You are, indeed, an advocate of togetherness devoid of ethnic or religion sentiments.”
Ahmed prayed God to grant the elder statesman long life and prosperity.