By Olasunkanmi Akoni & Demola Akinyemi
LAGOS — Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, and the immediate past Governor of Kwara State, Senator Bukola Saraki, have described the late President of Ghana, Prof. John Atta Mills, as a great patriot, and a true African leader.
(http://vml1.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Atta-M.jpg?9d7bd4) (http://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/07/ghananigeria-historical-parallels/atta-m/)Late Atta Mills In their separate statements, Fashola and Saraki noted that the late Atta Mills succeeded, during his reign, to make Ghana a reference point not only in the West African sub-region but on the African continent.
Fashola said: "He built on the achievements of his predecessors with his wise and pragmatic approach to governance and succeeded in making Ghana a reference point in West Africa and, indeed, the continent. Without doubt, this generation will continue to draw inspiration from his life and times and celebrate his exemplary life of service to the Ghanaian nation and Africa."
Extending the goodwill of the government and people of Lagos State to the new President, the governor said: "As you assume the high office of President of your country to fill the vacuum created by the demise of President Mills, our thoughts and prayers will be with you as you lead your country in mourning the loss of a patriot and in building on the legacies of your late President".
In his statement, Senator Saraki, representing Kwara Central in the National Assembly, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Bamikole Omishore, said the late Ghanaian president "will forever remain in the memory of his people and all those who knew him closely as a true patriot of his native land, having devoted his life to the struggle and good governance in Ghana."
According to the statement, "he was loved by Nigerians with his invaluable contribution to the smooth bilateral relationship between both countries. His death is a huge loss to Africa and its allies. I express my deepest sympathy and profound condolences to the entire nation of Ghana, most especially his relatives and close associates
"I also use this opportunity to wish President John Dramani Mahama, the new president, all the best as he takes up the enormous task of leading Ghana and we look forward to continue to strengthen the relationship between Nigeria and Ghana."
Vanguard Nigeria