Former presidents, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, on Saturday, reacted to the death of ex-United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan.
Obasanjo described Annan as an African who dedicated his life to democracy, stability, security, equity, and world peace.
In his statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo said he received the news of Annan’s death with shock.
The statement partly read, “I received the shocking news of the demise of former United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, with deep sadness at the loss of a brother and friend.
“I commiserate with the Annan family, particularly Mr. Annan’s widow – Nane Maria – and their children Ama, Kojo and Nina; the Government and People of Ghana; the Secretary-General and staff of the United Nations; and indeed all lovers of peace and progress across the world on this great loss.”
Obasanjo noted that he remembered the late diplomat “as a global statesman who dedicated his life to democracy, peace, stability, security, equity, justice, human rights, development, and progress, which culminated in not only his appointment as United Nations Secretary-General in 1997 but also in his well-deserved honour with a Nobel Peace Prize in 2001 for having revitalised the United Nations and for giving priority to human rights.”
On his part, Jonathan described Annan as a “distinguished and accomplished international public servant and one of Africa’s most prominent diplomats.”
He wrote: “I am deeply saddened by the death of @KofiAnnan , a world-renowned icon of peace and diplomacy. He was a distinguished and accomplished international public servant and one of Africa’s most prominent diplomats.”
Also, Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote said humanity has lost a great champion.
In a tweet via his verified Twitter handle, Dangote wrote: “My heartfelt condolences to the family of Kofi Annan. An invaluable proponent of world peace, justice, and equality. Humanity has lost a great champion of peace.”
