By Amaechi Okwara
Asaba
Delta state Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, has described former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as “a towering democrat” as he turned 71 years.
Okowa in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu, lauded Atiku for his “remarkable dexterity, sagacity, courage and penchant for democratic values and ethos as an unrepentant democrat,” when he fought numerous political and legal battles to advance the cause of democracy.
“That our democracy is firmly rooted on judicial interpretations today, is because you chose the option of the judiciary when anti-democratic forces plotted to illegally remove you from office as a sitting vice president; and at another time plotted to disenfranchise you,” he said in the statement.
He commended the former vice-president for “his tremendous impact on the lives of people irrespective of tribe, religion, geography, gender, social status or political affiliation,” adding that “your altruistic nature has genuinely led you to provide opportunities for people to utilise their potentials and earn a decent means of livelihood without expecting anything in return.”
“On behalf of the government and people of Delta state, I write to felicitate with you on the occasion of your 71st birthday anniversary.
“In the past 71 years, your family and indeed your political and business associates and admirers do have cause to be grateful to Almighty God for having granted you a life of great accomplishment and abiding fulfillment.”
