UN, Buhari,Saraki, others mourn late Kofi Annan

Posted by Admin | 6 years ago | 1,968 times



The United Nations has described the late Kofi Annan, as “a guiding force for good” and a “proud son of Africa who became a global champion for peace and all humanity.”

Annan, the former Secretary-General of the World body, died after a short illness, according to a statement published on his official Twitter account on Saturday.

The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in a statement said Annan remained someone he always turns to for counsel and wisdom.

The UN chief said, “He provided people everywhere with a space for dialogue, a place for problem-solving and a path to a better world.

“In these turbulent and trying times, he never stopped working to give life to the values of the United Nations Charter. His legacy will remain a true inspiration for all us.”

The former Secretary-General headed the intergovernmental organisation from 1997 to 2006.

His foundation announced his death on Saturday and the late UN scribe reportedly died in hospital in Bern, Switzerland, in the early hours of Saturday.

Annan was the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations, after Egyptian diplomat, Boutrous Boutrous-Ghali exit in December 1996.

President Muhammadu Buhari in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Femi Adesina, said, Nigerians and ECOWAS member countries share in the deep loss of the renowned Ghanaian diplomat.

Part of the statement read, “President Buhari said Annan’s origin and home will always be traced to Ghana, but his exceptional leadership roles, humanitarian spirit and contributions to global peace and development will remain indelible in the history of the entire world, especially the efforts to combat HIV/AIDS in Africa and launch of the UN Global Compact.”

The President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki said Annan’s death, marked the end of a golden era in global politics and international relations.

Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Mr. Yusuph Olaniyonu, described the late Annan as a quintessential African diplomat on the global plane and a citizen of the world.

Also the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, described the death of former UN scribe,  as a huge loss to Africa and humanity.

The National leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has described Annan’s death, as a loss to Africa and the entire world because of all that he represented.

He said, “In his lifetime, Kofi Annan distinguished himself as an international statesman, global icon, finest diplomat and tireless champion of human rights for all. His diplomatic achievements, both before or after becoming the UN Secretary-General, are legion.

Specifically, he will be remembered for his important contributions to the fight against HIV/AIDS epidemic, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, and his commitment to defending vulnerable populations the world over.”

Jonathan mourns Annan, describes late UN boss as icon of peace

In his tribute, former president Goodluck Jonathan described the late Annan as a renowned icon of peace and a great son of Africa.

Jonathan noted that his extensive reforms reinvigorated the UN systems and positively impacted international relations.

A statement issued by the former President’s spokesman, Mr. Ikechukwu Eze, further described the passing on of the former UN scribe as a sad loss to humanity.

The statement reads, “I am deeply saddened by the death of Kofi Annan, a world renowned icon of peace and diplomacy. He was a distinguished and accomplished international public servant and one of Africa’s most prominent diplomats.”

 

 


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