Jonathan, others mourn Mandela’s death

President Goodluck Jonathan said the anti-apartheid icon “served as a source of inspiration to the oppressed peoples all over the world.“In the course of his lifelong epic struggle for freedom, fairness, justice, equity and the human rights of his oppressed people, Dr Mandela made unparalleled personal sacrifices.“The indefatigable spirit which he demonstrated throughout his life […]

President Goodluck Jonathan said the anti-apartheid icon “served as a source of inspiration to the oppressed peoples all over the world.
“In the course of his lifelong epic struggle for freedom, fairness, justice, equity and the human rights of his oppressed people, Dr Mandela made unparalleled personal sacrifices.
“The indefatigable spirit which he demonstrated throughout his life will continue to inspire present and future generations.”
 Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Tinubu, said Mandela’s death signaled the end of an era of the generation of selfless African leaders.
“Africa has indeed lost an Icon, a formidable figure, a man of character and conviction and a political leader unequalled in the history of Africa. His demise is a great loss to Africa,” he said.
U.S. President Barack Obama praised Mandela, saying he symbolised the fight for freedom and dignity throughout the world.
“He achieved more than can be expected of any one man,” Obama said at the White House in Washington D.C. within an hour of the announcement of Mandela’s death.
The president noted that his very first political speech concerned apartheid in South Africa, and he has studied Mandela’s writings throughout his career in government.
“I cannot imagine my own life without Mandela’s example,” said the U.S.’s first African-American president.
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon said Mandela was a “giant for justice and a down-to-earth human inspiration. Many around the world were greatly influenced by his selfless struggle for human dignity, equality and freedom. He touched our lives in deeply personal ways.”
Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Ms. Christine Lagarde, in a statement, said: “Nelson Mandela was a courageous and visionary leader who enabled his country to confront its past and inspired its people to address an extraordinary set of challenges.”
She added: “The extraordinary global reach of Nelson Mandela’s admirers is testimony to his profound contribution to making South Africa and the world a better place.”
UK Prime Minister David said: “A great light has gone out in the world. Nelson Mandela was a hero of our time.”