By Levinus Nwabughiogu

ABUJA—President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Chief Emeka Anyaoku, who clocks 84 years today.

A statement by his spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina, yesterday, described Anyaoku as a seasoned diplomat, elder statesman and administrator.

According to the statement, the President “joins the diplomatic community, the Anglican Church, where he served many years as a chorister, and Chief Anyaoku’s family and friends in celebrating the quintessential diplomat, whose distinguished international career attracted many national and international laurels, especially after serving as the third Secretary General of the Commonwealth.”

Anyaoku

President Buhari “believes Chief Anyaoku’s footprints as a teacher, who was renowned for being very articulate and meticulous and diplomat, during whose stewardship as the Secretary General of the Commonwealth apartheid was peacefully replaced by non-racial democracy in South Africa, will remain indelible for posterity to cherish and emulate.”

The statement added that “as he turns 84 years, the President appreciates the enduring relationship he has enjoyed with Chief Anyaoku over the years and the many wise counsels he has received, affirming that his title as the Ichie Adazie of Obosi in Anambra State is most apt as from early age he has shown a proclivity for keeping and doing things well’ for his community, country and humanity.”

Buhari also prayed God to grant the celebrant more years of grace, good health and wisdom to serve his country and humanity.