President Muhammadu Buhari has, on behalf of all Nigerians, offered deepest condolences to President Joe Biden, the government and the people of the United States, on the passing of the former Secretary of State, General Colin Powell.
A statement issued by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media & Publicity) Monday said the President believes that as the first African American Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest military position in the U.S. Department of Defense, as well as the first African American Secretary of State, Powell was a great statesman and a global icon in every sense of it.
President Buhari recalled that as U.S Secretary of State, Powell played a very important role in advancing his country’s foreign policy and national defence interests. He was also a great advocate of the eradication of Polio and in addressing the deadly spread of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa.
He said his prayers and thoughts are with General Powell’s family and the people of the United States as they mourn the death of an exceptional leader and one of America’s greatest pride, who as a professional soldier, a distinguished public servant and an effective diplomat, gave his utmost for his country.
Similarly, Former President Goodluck Jonathan has paid tributes to former United States Secretary of State and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Colin Powell who died on Monday at age of 84.
A statement issued by his Special Adviser, Ikechukwu Eze, on Monday said in a tribute Dr Jonathan personally signed, he described late Powell as a renowned United States public servant and a great leader who left solid and indelible footprints in the sands of time.
He also stated that his stellar military career paved the way for other African Americans to reach for the top, adding that he articulated a new paradigm for engaging in military action.
The former President further stated: “ Until the election of President Barack Obama in 2008, Colin Powel was the highest ranking African American to have served in the public sector of the United States. In that capacity, he served as a beacon of hope and was a pride of the Black Race.
“His stellar military career, which saw him become the first Black Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, which pivoted him to also becoming the first US Secretary of State of colour, paved the way for other African Americans to reach for the top. His articulation of the Powell Doctrine gave the United States, and the world at large, a new paradigm for engaging in military action with honour and decorum.
“As Secretary of State, he was known for his tactful management of America’s foreign relations, of which he extended a right hand of fellowship to the Yar’adua administration when I was Vice President.
“His death at 84 after a long, useful and fulfilled life, is mourned by my family and I, as well as the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation. He left solid and indelible footprints in the sands of time, and would be greatly missed. Our prayers are with his family at this trying time for them.”
YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
Lagos Is Second Least Liveable City In The World For 2021
Lagos is the second least liveable city in the world for the year 2021. This is according to the most recent annual ranking put together by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU)…
CLAIM 1: A Twitter user claims UNICEF said any efforts to block children from accessing pornography might infringe their human rights.
VERDICT: MISLEADING!
and then