Tributes continue to pour in for former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on December 29, 2024.
Among the latest is a heartfelt tribute from Nigeria’s former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who served as the country’s military Head of State during Carter’s historic 1978 visit to Nigeria.
Speaking exclusively to Channels Television at his Abeokuta residence in Ogun State, Obasanjo reflected on their enduring friendship and Carter’s profound influence on his life.
Obasanjo credited Carter with contributing to his longevity, describing him as a steadfast friend to Nigeria and Africa, as well as a global advocate for justice and fairness.
He also highlighted Carter’s significant role in strengthening Nigeria-U.S. relations during his tenure as the 39th U.S. President.
Jimmy Carter served as President from 1977 to 1981 and spent his post-presidency years championing global democracy, addressing public health challenges, and teaching Sunday school.
Born in rural Plains, Georgia, he passed away in the same house he and his wife, to whom he was married for 77 years, purchased in 1961. Carter’s modest lifestyle served as a beacon of inspiration for many Americans.
Obasanjo, who led Nigeria as a military Head of State from 1976 to 1979 and later as a democratically elected President from 1999 to 2007, described Carter’s passing as a profound loss for Nigeria, Africa, and the international community.
To name a few: allegations of John F. Kennedy’s extramarital trysts, Bill Clinton’s affair with a White House intern, and Donald Trump’s well-documented sex scandals have “lowered all such standards in American politics,” said Barbara Perry, a professor specialising in the history of US presidents.
“Americans have become immune to ethical standards in political life.”
Even those who have stayed clean from personal scandal, such as Barack Obama or George W. Bush, have little in common with the modest lifestyle and outspoken advocacy of Carter’s post-presidency.