World leaders on Thursday night sent out messages of condolences to the government and people of South Africa over the death of anti-apartheid hero, Dr. Nelson Mandela.
President Goodluck Jonathan expressed immense sadness over the death of Mandela.
In a condolence message to President Jacob Zuma, Jonathan conveyed the sympathy and solidarity of the Federal Government and people of Nigeria to him and all South Africans as they mourn Mandela.
Jonathan wrote: “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.”
The President of the United States, Barrack Obama, described Mandela as the “most influential, courageous and profoundly good” person to have ever lived.
Obama said: “He achieved more than could be expected of any man.
“Today he’s gone home.
“He no longer belongs to us.
“He belongs to the ages.
“We will likely not see the likes of Nelson Mandela again.”
British Prime Minister, David Cameron, said on Thursday: “A great light has gone out in the world.
“Nelson Mandela was a towering figure in our time; a legend in life and now in death – a true global hero.
“Across the country he loved they will be mourning a man who was the embodiment of grace.
“Meeting him was one of the great honours of my life.
“My heart goes out to his family – and to all in South Africa and around the world whose lives were changed through his courage.”
The Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper, said: “All of Canada mourns with the family of Nelson Mandela and the citizens of South Africa.
“The world has lost one of its great moral leaders.”
The Prime Minister of Australia, Tony Abbott, said of Mandela: “Nelson Mandela will forever be remembered as more than a political leader, he was a moral leader.
“He spent much of his life standing against the injustice of apartheid.
“When that fight was won, he inspired us again by his capacity to forgive and reconcile his country.
“While the world may never see another Nelson Mandela, he has inspired countless men and women throughout the world to live more courageous and honest lives.”
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