President Muhammadu Buhari has, on behalf of Nigerians, condoled with President Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africans and the global Christian body, particularly Anglican Communion, over the passing of the 90-year old Archbishop Emeritus, Desmond Tutu.
President Buhari believes that the death of the iconic teacher, human rights activist, leader of thought, scholar and philanthropist, further creates a void in a world in dire need of wisdom, integrity, courage, and sound reasoning, which were qualities that the 1984 Nobel Peace Prize Winner typified and exemplified in words and actions.
A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, says the President affirms that the historic role Archbishop Tutu played in the fight against apartheid, enduring physical assaults, jail terms and prolonged exile, took him beyond the pulpit to global, political relevance, and his position, and heading the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which provided healing and direction for his country.
President Buhari commiserates with Leah Tutu, the spouse of the spiritual leader and lifelong partner in the struggle against injustice, corruption and inequality, the Tutu family, board and staff of Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, Elders and Nobel Laureate Group, urging solace that the voice of the scholar and teacher, his published works, and inspirational quotes will resonate through generations, bringing more light and clarity to religious diversity, democracy and good governance.
The President prays for the repose of the soul of Archbishop Tutu, whose life and times sent an unforgettable message on love and forgiveness.
…..Tutu Played vital role in getting Nigeria’s debt cancelled…..OBASANJO
Former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, has declared that the death of anti-apartheid scion, pro-democracy guru, and human rights crusader, Archbishop Desmond Tutu was a personal loss to him.
Tutu died on Sunday morning at the age of 90.
The former president in a condolence letter to the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa recalled the role played by late Tutu in getting the country’s debt cancelled.
The letter, which was released to journalists in Abeokuta by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, said, “Tutu had been part of building and strengthening the Anglican Church, and its eminent place in the Church system in South Africa today is not unrelated to his selfless service and leadership.”
On the country’s debt cancellation role, Obasanjo said he acknowledged late Tutu’s “uncommon solidarity and the deep passion with which he had argued Nigeria’s case for full debt cancellation by the contents of his letter to Mr. Gordon Brown, the then United Kingdom’s Chancellor of the Exchequer, during my administration as the President of Nigeria”.
He said, “Over the years, Tutu had shown focused, credible, bold, sensitive, and purposeful leadership not just to members of the Anglican Church but to all Christians.
“This heroic advocacy effort of his with respect to Nigeria’s indebtedness to the Paris Club on behalf of Nigeria was very much in his character.
“Reverend Tutu was a patriotic and highly respected Teacher, Preacher, Intercessor and Field Commander of the Lord’s Army.
“He symbolised one of our finest examples of how a life truly dedicated to our Saviour Jesus Christ can make a difference. He had been a difference-maker for his family, his friends, his flock, his community, the Church, the Republic of South Africa, and, indeed, the world.
“Reverend Tutu was an unparalleled visionary leader within the Church with profound knowledge of the Bible and the Word with an admirable, grasp and appreciation of history. He was also a tele-evangelist and a strong believer in the unity of believers worldwide as a transformational tool for development.
“He had very impressive pro-democracy credentials and was always ready to partner with forces of justice, equity, and fairness universally.