Jonathan sends condolence message to South Africa over Mandela's death

President Goodluck Jonathan has
expressed immense sadness over the
death of former South African
President, Dr. Nelson Mandela.
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.
“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