President Muhammadu Buhari has paid tribute to the late South African anti-apartheid hero, Desmond Tutu, describing him as one whose life was a message on love and happiness.
According to Buhari, the legacies of Archbishop Tutu who died at 90 on Sunday, “will resonate through generations, bringing more light and clarity to religious diversity, democracy, and good governance.”
Read Also: Breaking: South Africa’s Anti-Apartheid Icon, Archbishop Desmond Tutu Dies At 90
He stated;
The President prays for the repose of the soul of Archbishop Tutu, whose life and times sent an unforgettable message on love and forgiveness.
Buhari in a statement issued by a presidential aide, Femi Adesina, condoled with the late cleric’s wife, Leah Tutu, the Christian community globally; the people, and the Government of South Africa over Tutu’s demise.
He recalled Tutu’s historic role in the fight against apartheid, noting that the late preacher endured “physical assaults, jail terms, and prolonged exile.”
Read his full statement below;
PRESIDENT BUHARI MOURNS ARCHBISHOP DESMOND TUTU
On behalf of government and people of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari condoles with President Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africans and the global Christian body, particularly Anglican Communion, over passing of Archbishop Emeritus, Desmond Tutu, 90, on Sunday, December 26, 2021.
President Buhari believes the death of the iconic teacher, human rights activist, leader of thought, scholar and philanthropist, further creates a void in a world in dire need of wisdom, integrity, courage and sound reasoning, which were qualities that the Nobel Peace Prize Winner, 1984, typified and exemplified in words and actions.
It continues;
As a South African, global citizen and renowned world leader, the President affirms that the historic role Archbishop Tutu played in the fight against apartheid, enduring physical assaults, jail terms and prolonged exile, took him beyond the pulpit to global, political relevance, and his position, under President Nelson Mandela, in heading the Truth and Reconciliation Commission provided healing and direction for his country and the world.
President Buhari commiserates with Leah Tutu, the spouse of the spiritual leader and lifelong partner in the struggle against injustice, corruption and inequality, the Tutu family, board and staff of Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, Elders and Nobel Laureate Group, urging solace that the voice of the scholar and teacher, his published works, and inspirational quotes will resonate through generations, bringing more light and clarity to religious diversity, democracy and good governance.
The President prays for the repose of the soul of Archbishop Tutu, whose life and times sent an unforgettable message on love and forgiveness.
