President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed immense sadness over the death of former South African President, Dr. Nelson Mandela.
Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), Mr. Reuben Abati in a statement issued on Thursday said “In a condolence message to President Jacob Zuma, President Jonathan conveyed the sympathy and solidarity of the Federal Government and people of Nigeria to him and all South Africans as they mourn Dr. Mandela”.
The statement read: “I write to commiserate with you, the Government and people of South Africa and the family of Dr. Nelson Mandela on the death of one of the greatest sons of Africa.
“Although it has come at the advanced age of 95, Madiba’s death will create a huge vacuum that will be difficult to fill in our continent. He will be sorely missed by all who cherish love, peace and freedom the world over and will be eternally honoured for his immense contribution to the dismantling of the apartheid policy, one of the world’s most obnoxious systems whose under-pining philosophy was the degradation of man by man.
“Dr. Mandela served as a source of inspiration to the oppressed peoples all over the world. In the course of his life-long epic struggle for freedom, fairness, justice, equity and the human rights of his oppressed people, Dr. Mandela made unparalleled personal sacrifices.
The indefatigable spirit which he demonstrated throughout his life will continue to inspire present and future generations.
“Dr. Mandela will always be remembered and honoured by all mankind as one of its greatest liberators, a wise, courageous and compassionate leader, and an icon of true democracy.
“We join you, the Mandela family, the people of South Africa and lovers of freedom, peace, justice and equity all over the world in praying that God Almighty will receive the Great Madiba’s soul and grant him eternal rest,” President Jonathan wrote”.
Dr. Mandela reportedly died Thursday in South Africa after several months of ill-health.
South African President, Mr. Jacob Zuma announced Mandela’s death in a television address. Zuma was also said to have ordered all flags in South Africa to be lowered to half-mast, where they will remain until after what will be a state funeral.
“Our nation has lost his greatest son. Our people have lost a father. Although we knew that this day would come, nothing can diminish our sense of a profound and enduring loss,” Zuma said.
“His tireless struggle for freedom earned him the respect of the world. His humility, his compassion and his humanity earned him their love.”
Mandela was sentenced to life in prison in the 1960s and spent 27 years behind bars for trying to overthrow the pro-apartheid government before becoming South Africa’s first black president in 1994.
He became increasingly frail in recent years and was hospitalized several times in the past few months, receiving treatment for pneumonia, an on-going lung infection and gallstones.
His birthday is a public holiday in South Africa, where Mandela is affectionately known by his clan name, Madiba.
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