President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan said he has received with sadness the news of the sudden death of President Bingu Wa Mutharika of Malawi.
In a statement from the Presidency on Saturday, signed by presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, Jonathan commisserated with the people of Malawi and the family of the late president.
The statement added: “On behalf of himself, the government and people of Nigeria, President Jonathan extends sincere condolences to late President Bingu Wa Mutharika’s family as well as the government and people of Malawi.
“The President assures the people of Malawi of the sympathy and solidarity of the people of Nigeria and Africa as they mourn late President Bingu Wa Mutharika who was also Chairperson of the African Union from January, 2010 to January, 2011.
“He urges the political leadership of Malawi and its security agencies to ensure an orderly transfer of presidential powers in keeping with Malawi’s existing constitutional order ahead of the country’s next presidential elections scheduled to hold in 2014.
“President Jonathan prays for the peaceful repose of late President Bingu Wa Mutharika’s soul.”