Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday paid tribute to the late President Umaru Yar’Adua, describing him as a selfless leader and peacemaker.
Then-Vice President Jonathan took over leadership of the country in 2010 following the death of Yar’Adua, three years into his presidency. Jonathan was later elected president for a full term in 2011.
Writing on Facebook in commemoration of the 12th anniversary of Yar’Adua’s death, Jonathan said the former leader was committed to justice, equity and other democratic virtues.
He said: “Twelve years ago, our nation lost a patriot, a selfless leader and a peacemaker who governed with sincerity and passion for the people. President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua is no longer with us today, but his strides in public life continue to testify for him and keep his memory alive.
“Like a good athlete, he ran with passion, kept the faith and finished the race. Today we can look back and say, as President he won laurels for us in terms of peace and other worthy causes he successfully pursued.
“He was a soldier of truth, committed to justice, equity and other democratic virtues. He was a servant leader and a good man; the type that is hard to find. He was my boss.”
He added that Yar’Adua would continue to be remembered for his good works.
