Tinubu, Zuma, Akpabio tasks leaders on Mandela’s legacies

African leaders in their hundreds are still reacting to the death of Dr. Nelson Mandela.
Among those who reacted on Friday were the Chairperson, African Union Commission, Dr. Dlamini Zuma; the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; and the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Godswill Akpabio.
They all challenged African leaders to pattern their leadership styles after those of Mandela.
They described the death of the former South African president as the end of en era.
But more importantly, they called for the upholding of his legacies.
Tinubu, in a statement by his Media Office, said: “Mandela’s death signals the end of an era of the generation of African leaders who never coveted power, but used power for the good of the greater number of their people. Africa has indeed lost an Icon, a formidable figure, a man of character and conviction and a political leader unequaled in the history of Africa. His demise is a great loss to Africa. I extend my sympathy to the Government and people of South Africa and to the wife and family of Nelson Mandela.
“He represented the moral compass in African leadership and the reference point for transparency and good governance. For long, his compelling story of struggle, prison life and journey to power will remain a classic and a tonic for others that may come after him. The Mandela story will forever resonate across the world and though retold over and over, will never loose its effect and power.
“Mandela demonstrated to the world that the black man is of a higher conscience, strong conviction and brilliance, compassionate and able to master his destiny. That is part of what Mandela represented. He made us proud as Africans. He led and showed us the way. He challenged us to heed the higher calling of selfless service. But much more, he boosted the African spirit and carved a new reputation for Africa in the global world.
“Mandela left a legacy of quality leadership, selfless service and sacrifice and a peoplecentered governance. His legacy will endure. From his life, other African leaders are challenged to do right by their people and submit to democratic ideals. Sadly, we have seen more African leaders jettison or depart from the Mandela option. Many of them have become sit tight leaders, while others amongst them have sought by dubious constitutional processes to elongate their stay in power. They celebrate Mandela, but lack the discipline and morale fortitude of Mandela. They stand in the way of their people progressing and make Africa a laughing stock.
“Let his death revive us to the ideals of democracy. Let his political legacy, commitment to his people and the examples he left behind challenge us all to a renewed commitment to make our country and Africa better for the greatest number of her citizens.”
Akpabio described the death of Mandela as the loss of a role model and an exemplary leader.
Akpabio, in a statement by his Special Assistant, Media, Jackson Udom, said: “A titan is gone. Mandela lived, suffered humiliation and imprisonment for 27 years and made history by forgiving his traducers.
“Mandela became president, and unlike typical African and certain world leaders, voluntarily ceded power to South Africans. The world has lost a role model and an exemplary leader. Madiba shall forever live in the hearts of true Africans and lovers of peace worldwide. Rest in Peace Madiba.”
Zuma, on Friday, urged African leaders to rededicate themselves and liberate Africans from the shackles of poverty and diseases.
This information was contained in a statement issued by the AUC Information and Communication Directorate in Addis Ababa.
According to the statement, those are the legacies and virtues of Mandela, who died on Thursday at the age of 95.
The statement said: “Madiba, as he was fondly known, symbolises the spirit of Pan Africanism and solidarity in the struggles of humanity against apartheid, oppression and colonialism and for self-determination, peace and reconciliation.
“The chairperson on behalf of the commission and its staff, and indeed, on behalf of the union and the rest of the continent, expressed her grief on the passing away of a Pan-African icon and Nobel Peace Laureate, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.”
Zuma said Mandela fought a good fight and bowed out with great reverence as his passing away was a great loss to his family, to our continent and indeed to humanity itself.
Zuma said: “At this sad time of sorrow, our hearts and thoughts are with his widow, Grace Michel, his ex-wife Whinnie Madikizela-Mandela, his children, grand and great-grandchildren and the people of South Africa and Africa.
“The AU dips its banners and rededicates Africa to continue to honour his legacy.”
The News Agency of Nigeria in Addis Ababa reports that Flags at the AU member countries at the AUC headquarters are now flying at half-mast with the opening of a condolence register.
The statement said the AUC would also have a wall of remembrance on its website and encouraged Africans to deposit messages of condolences on the site.