President Goodluck Jonathan has been commenting on the death of South Africa's former President, Nelson Mandela. Addressing his friends on Facebook he wrote:
"My dear friends on facebook, the news of the passing of the great Nelson Mandela to ancestorhood has left Africa and the rest of humanity with a deep feeling of loss.
Never in recent living memory has a leader mobilized the consciousness of human existence to the cause of freedom and the advancement of world civilization as did Mandela.
By his exemplary life of humility and high inclusivity, the former president enshrined a beacon of hope for the hopeless and gave power to the powerless in the world as we know it today.
He was a man who planted trees whose shade he knew he would never physically enjoy but was nonetheless satisfied that the trees would provide some shade for the living.
As humanity looks into the future, the Mandela story will remain a most outstanding example of compassion, forgiveness and progress. Because of the work of Mandela and his compatriots, humanity now looks forward to a better world in the centuries ahead. Adieu, our leader Mandela!"
Meanwhile, other world leaders have also paid tribute starting with President Jacob Zuma who formally announced Mandela's death to South Africa and the world. He said:
"Our beloved Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, the founding President of our democratic nation, has departed," also "Our nation has lost its greatest son. Our people have lost a father," .
American President, Barack Obama said:
"I am one of the countless millions who drew inspiration from Nelson Mandela's life. My very first political action -- the first thing I ever did that involved an issue or a policy or politics was a protest against apartheid," speaking further he added: "He no longer belongs to us - he belongs to the ages," .
British Prime Minister, David Cameron:
"A great light has gone out in the world. Nelson Mandela was a hero of our time."
Chinese President, Xi, Jinping:
"Mr Mandela was a world-renowned statesman, who during the long years led the South African people through arduous struggles to the anti-apartheid victory, making a historic contribution to the establishment and development of the new South Africa.
"Mr Mandela, who visited China twice, was also one of the founders of China-South Africa relations, and an active champion of bilateral friendship and cooperation."
Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff:
"The example of this great leader will guide all those who fight for social justice and peace in the world,"
Archbishop Desmond Tutu:
"He was a unifier from the moment he walked out of prison. He taught us how to come together and believe in ourselves."
Tributes are still flooding from across the world as burial plans for the late Mandela begin in earnest.
Source: Agencies
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