PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with Tanzanian President John Magufuli, the government and people of Tanzania on the sad loss of former President Benjamin Mkapa.
In a statement by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media & Publicity) on Friday, President Buhari was saddened by the death of the former president who he described as a true African blood.
“This great son of Africa, world statesman and icon of peace will be greatly missed as we remember his outstanding works, alongside other notable African leaders, to bring long-lasting peace and stability to East, Central and the Great Lakes regions in Africa, during very difficult times in Kenya in 2008 and the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2009.
“May his gentle soul find eternal rest with his Maker”, Buhari said in a condolence message.
President also recalled with huge appreciation, his service as Tanzania’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, and also prayed that God Almighty comfort President Mkapa’s family and the people of Tanzania in their period of grief and grant them strength as they continue to propagate his unique legacies of peace, progress and prosperity for Africans
In a similar vein, President Buhari mourns Alhaji Ganiyu Folorunsho AbdulRazaq, (SAN), Northern Nigeria’s first lawyer and father of the Governor of Kwara State saying he was highly saddened by news of the demise of the statesman and outstanding parliamentarian of his time.
Buhari described the late renowned legal luminary and First Republic Minister as a “Lawyer Par Excellence”.
The recalled the deceased was the pioneer Commissioner of Finance, Kwara State and until his passing, Matawali of Ilorin and Tafidan Zazzau (Zaria).
“We will remember him as one of this country’s greatest legal minds and a national leader. He garnered respect that transcended our barriers visible and otherwise. His enormous contribution to the welfare of the people of his community, Kwara State and the country as a whole will serve to inspire future generations of our citizens.
“Whenever our Nation loses an elder in the class of Alhaji AbdulRazaq, it should serve as a moment of reflection on how the lives they lived and their sacrifices built the foundation of what we must continue to strengthen.
“On behalf of my family, the government and people of our nation, I extend our heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the Governor of Kwara – Alhaji Abdulrahaman AbdulRazaq and his family, His Highness, Emir Sulu Gambari of Ilorin, and the people of Kwara State. We pray for the eternal peace of his soul”, Buhari stated.