After 13 years ofUmaru Yar'Adua's passing, former President Goodluck Jonathan paid respects to his late boss.

As Yar'Adua's deputy, Jonathan called him a "great and selfless leader."

He wrote in a post released on Friday via his Twitter account, “On this day thirteen years ago, our nation lost a great and selfless leader, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. He was a man of peace, justice and accountability.

“We look back with appreciation to God for his life and his impact on our nation.

“President Yar’Adua was an exemplary leader, who lived above ethnic and religious sentiments. And his public life inspired many positively.

“Today, we remember him for his life of service, dedication and commitment to a united and prosperous nation.

“We will continue to remember him for his developmental strides and his commitment to the peace and progress of Nigeria. – GEJ”

Jonathan took over as acting president after Yar'Adua passed away in 2010 before finishing his first term. Jonathan later succeeded Yar'Adua as president.