Jonathan extols Yakassai ‘s virtues at 90

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has extolled the statesmanship and leadership qualities of Alhaji Tanko Yakassai on his 90th birthday, describing the elder statesman as forthright and broad-minded, whose virtues would continue to speak volumes.

Dr Jonathan made the assertion on Saturday through a former Minister of Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, saying that Alhaji Yakassai had continued to maintain a robust sense of activism even in his old age. He added that the foremost northern leader would “always express his mind irrespective of who is likely to be hurt.”

According to the former president, “I have no doubt that you would continue to serve as a source of inspiration and a testimony to the fact that honesty, selflessness and love are tenets we all need to imbibe to build the nation of our dream.

“You are a well celebrated northern leader and founding member of Arewa Consultative Forum. Your worldview has been liberal, guided only by those concerns that promote unity, integration, progress and prosperity in the country. I wish to sincerely congratulate you on the occasion of your 90th birthday.”