President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday, via telephone  from London, congratulated former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on the occasion of his 80th birthday.

On the same day, he also spoke with Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state and thanked him for all his support.

Mr Femi Adesina, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President confirmed President Buhari’s conversation with Obasanjo in Abuja on Sunday.

According to the president, who is on medical vacation in London, a time like this provides opportunity to reflect on Obasanjo’s invaluable roles and contributions to the unity and cohesion of Nigeria, the brotherhood of all Africans, as well as peace and amity over the globe.

President Buhari described the former president as “a true citizen of the world”.

While recalling their days in the military, President Buhari said: “Those of us who served under you in various capacities recall a man with boundless energy, with razor sharp mind, and one who does not suffer fools gladly. Working with you was a school in itself, and the lessons learnt are worth their weight in gold.”

“Chief Obasanjo wished President Buhari good health, adding he stands together with him in prayers, so that he can return soon to continue the good work he is doing for the country.’’

Chief Obasanjo was onetime Nigeria’s former military ruler (1976 to 1979) and democratically elected president (1999 to 2007).

President Buhari had earlier spoken with Gov Yahaya Bello of Kogi state.

A Government House statement issued in Lokoja said that Buhari, who made the call in the evening, spoke with the governor for some minutes.

Director-General on media and strategy to the governor, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, who signed the statement, said Bello received the call in Lagos on his way back from Abeokuta, where he attended the inauguration of Obasanjo Library.

“The President thanked the governor for his support and his leadership qualities.

“He told the governor that he was observing rest and will return very soon to continue his assignment of providing purposeful leadership to  the nation", Fanwo said.

He said  Bello received the call in the presence of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Ahmed Imam, some members of the house, commissioners and top government functionaries.

NAN