The Minister, Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has described the death of the former president of Ghana, Mr Jerry Rawlings as a ‘great shock’, just as he noted that he was a Pan- Africanist, Global Icon and Transformational Leader.
Akpabio stated this in a condolence message he personally signed and addressed to the widow of the late Ghanaian leader, Mrs Rawlings and made available to newsmen in Abuja, Nigeria.
The message reads in part: “Dear Mrs Rawlings, we received the news of the sudden demise of ex President J J Rawlings of Ghana here in Nigeria with great shock.
“Please be comforted that in life you had a great partner, a Pan Africanist, a global icon, a transformational leader and a humanist as a husband, father and brother.
“His Leadership style was infectious in and out of offices. He mentored many young leaders beyond the shores of Ghana.
“He showed how one should love and serve his country beyond self. He will forever be remembered as the father of modern Ghana.
“He loved Africa so much that he boarded a flight from Accra to Uyo in Nigeria, to join me in my state alongside other African leaders such as Presidents Dr Goodluck Jonathan-Nigeria, Dr John Mahama, Ghana and Alassane Quattara of Cote d’ivoire to commission the best International Stadium I bequeathed to west Africa in 2014 .
“At that time I was serving humanity as an Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State one of the states in South South Nigeria. He slept over and spent enormous energy visiting project sites across the state and thereafter, stated that he came to personally confirm the uncommon transformation he had heard so much about.
“Expressing his happiness, he told my people then that the giant strides he witnessed in Akwa Ibom State gave him hope that there was still a future for our continent.
“We shall miss him and his commitment to bettering the lot of the less privileged in your country and elsewhere in Africa.
“Please accept our condolences and may his soul rest in perfect peace, Amen.
Senator Godswill Akpabio, CON
Hon Minister, Niger Delta Affairs., former Minority Leader of the Senate and Governor Akwa Ibom State(2007-2015), Nigeria.
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