Obama, Ki-Moon, Others Grieve

As the nation grieve under the canopy of profound loss and sadness over the demise of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, the international community has expressed condolences to Nigeria.

President Barack Obama of the United States and Jacob Zuma of South Africa as well as the United Nation’s Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon described Yar’Adua’s death as a national loss.

To President Obama, Yar’Adua worked to promote peace and stability in Africa through his support of Nigeria’s peacekeeping efforts as well as his strong criticism of undemocratic actions in the region.

He was committed to creating lasting peace and prosperity within Nigerian’s own borders and continuing that work will be an important part of honouring his legacy, the US president added in a statement

In his message, South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma described the death of President Umar Yar’adua as “shocking and saddening’’.

 ”I learnt with shock and sadness of the news of the passing away of my brother, President Yar’adua,” Zuma said.

 ”Our thoughts and prayers are with the Nigerian people as you grieve the loss of an outstanding son of the soil,’’ he added.

“On behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, I wish to extend my deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and relatives of President Yar’Adua, the government and the people of this great African nation, Nigeria, as well as the broader ECOWAS community.

United Nations (UN) Secretray-General, Ban Ki-Moon on his part, paid glowing tribute to President Umaru Yar’Adua, remembering him for his commitment to democratic governance and electoral reforms.

Conveying his heartfelt condolences to President Yar’ Adua’s family and the people and Government of Nigeria, Ban described the death as great loss “for Nigeria and its people.”

‘Ki-Moon said Yar’Adua will be remembered, among other things, for his efforts to bring peace and stability to the Niger Delta region and for his commitment to democratic governance and electoral reforms,” the statement said.

The Secretary-General said he would remain grateful to Yar’Adua’s unwavering support to the UN ideals and principles, and for the initiatives he undertook as the chairman of the ECOWAS.

Meanwhile, a condolence register has been opened at the Nigerian Mission in New York, which houses the Consulate and the Nigerian UN Mission staff.

Diplomats and representatives of UN member-states have been calling the country’s permanent representative, Prof Joy Ogwu to express their condolences.

Victor Tew with Agency report