The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has congratulated former President Goodluck Jonathan as he marked his 65th birthday.

The party described the former president  as “an honest, forthright, humane, caring leader and Icon of Peace.”

The party in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba in Abuja on Sunday, said  the PDP and all patriotic Nigerians celebrated Mr Jonathan.

Mr Ologunagba said the love of Mr Jonathan for Nigerians and his commitment to the unity, stability and development of the nation, in line with the manifesto of PDP remained indelible in Nigeria national annals.

“Nigerians of diverse political persuasions extol former president Jonathan’s peaceful personality which has been acknowledged all over the world

“He created the conducive atmosphere, national stability and cohesion for unprecedented economic growth during his tenure as president.

“Also, in recognition of his peaceful  persona,  he continues to be saddled with numerous foreign engagements to superintend over peace negotiations across the globe.”

Mr Ologunagba said  the PDP remained proud of Mr Jonathan for his achievements in key sectors, including unprecedented investments and transformation in education, healthcare, agriculture, real estate, aviation, telecommunications, manufacturing, oil and gas.

Others according to him include revamping of the railways and stimulating Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) leading to massive job opportunities and bequeathment of a $550 billion economy (largest in Africa and 26th globally) at the end of his very successful tenure in 2015.

“Moreover, Nigerians recognised Jonathan’s efforts in deepening our democracy, including initiating reforms that opened up the political space, allowed more citizen participation in politics and governance.

“Jonathan promoted constitutionally guaranteed freedom of speech and strengthened the bond of unity, mutual respect and understanding among Nigerians.

“Nigerians will not forget president Jonathan’s display of love for the nation and the citizens when he sacrificed his personal ambition for the unity and stability of our dear fatherland after the 2015 general elections.”

Mr Ologunagba said the PDP family celebrated Mr Jonathan and prayed that God would continue to increase him in wisdom and peaceful credentials to the benefit of the country in particular and humanity in general.

(NAN)