A former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has expressed sadness over the demise of former President of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe.
The former Nigerian leader expressed his sadness in a letter he personally signed, addressed to the President of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Mr Mugabe’s death at 95 was announced on Friday morning.
The African liberation hero and champion of racial reconciliation, who died in Singapore, was ultimately ousted by his own armed forces in November 2017.
He served as prime minister of Zimbabwe from 1980 to 1987 and then as president from 1987 to 2017.
“News of President Robert G. Mugabe’s death in Singapore, in the early hours of today, was received by me with immense sadness indeed,” Mr Obasanjo said in the letter.
“It is, therefore, with a profound sense of sympathy that I write, on behalf of my family and on my own behalf, to commiserate with you and the entire good people of Zimbabwe over the painful transition of President Robert Mugabe, former President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, a frontline leader, an activist, an indomitable fighter for the liberation of Zimbabwe from apartheid and oppressive racialism, a statesman per excellence and a tireless advocate of the preservation of the mystique of Africa’s moral and cultural values, who had selflessly dedicated himself to public service for most of his life, particularly as Prime Minister of Zimbabwe from 1980-1987 and also as President from 1987-2017.”
The former Nigerian President said Mr Mugabe’s heroic struggles to secure independence for Zimbabwe in 1980 made him much more than a leader of his people.
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