Zuma extends condolences on the passing away of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

President Jacob Zuma extends condolences on the passing away of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar'Adua

6 May 2010

President Jacob Zuma has today, 6 May 2010, joined the international community in extending the heartfelt condolences of the government and the people of the Republic of South Africa to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, and the government and the people of Nigeria, following the untimely death of President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua last night.

President Zuma said that "I learnt with shock and sadness of the news of the passing away of my brother, President Yar'Adua. On behalf of the government and people of South Africa, I wish to extend my deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and relatives of President Yar'Adua, the government and the people of this great African nation, Nigeria, as well as the broader Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) community".

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Nigerian people as you grieve the loss of an outstanding son of the soil. Be assured, my dear brother that your loss is felt beyond your borders and may you find comfort and solace in the knowledge that South Africa is with you during this difficult time.”

South Africa and Nigeria enjoy cordial and fraternal bilateral relations forged throughout the years of the struggle for Africa’s decolonisation. These fraternal relations were significantly further consolidated during Africa’s collective efforts at modernising the continent through NEPAD and other AU programmes.

During his presidency, President Yar’Adua played a seminal role in the reconstruction and development of Nigeria and advancing Nigeria’s role in the community of nations. It is South Africa’s wish that the leadership of Nigeria will do everything in its power to ensure that this African country forges ahead with the vision of President Yar'Adua to make Africa and the world a better place to live in.

For more information, contact:

Vincent Magwenya
Spokesperson to the President
Cell: 072 715 0024

Issued by: The Presidency
6 May 2010
Source: The Presidency (http://www.thpresidency.gov.za)