Jonathan mourns Chavez

On behalf of himself, the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria, President Goodluck Jonathan has extended sincere commiserations to the government and people of Venezuela on the death of President Hugo Chavez.
A statement by presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, on Wednesday said Chavez left behind a legacy of caring for the downtrodden.
Abati said: “President Jonathan and Nigerians join the brotherly people of Venezuela in mourning President Chavez who greatly endeared himself to the ordinary people of his country with his admirable efforts to improve the living conditions of underprivileged Venezuelans.
“As they observe the seven-day period of mourning which has been declared for late President Chavez, President Jonathan urges members of his family, officials of his Administration, members of his political party – the United Socialist Party, his supporters and all Venezuelans to take solace in the knowledge that he did the very best that he could to uplift his people and country in the 14 years of his Presidency.
“The President also calls on Venezuela’s political leaders, institutions of governance and security agencies to ensure that the procedures stipulated in the Venezuelan Constitution are strictly followed to ensure the peaceful and orderly emergence of a worthy successor to President Chavez.
“He prays that God Almighty will receive President Chavez’s soul and grant him eternal rest.”