Former President of Namibia, Sam Nujoma
By EZEKIEL OBI, Abuja –
British King Charles and the Nigerian Government have paid tribute to Namibia’s former president Sam Nujoma, who died at the aged 95, saying his “lifelong commitment to freedom and democracy” was “inspirational” and his “contribution to history was immense.”
Nujoma, who led Namibia to independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990 and served as its first president for 15 years, died on Saturday, the current Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba announced.
In a statement released on Sunday evening, Charles said: “My wife and I were profoundly saddened to learn of the death of former President Sam Nujoma today.
“President Nujoma’s contribution to history was immense, through his leadership of the long struggle for independence, and his subsequent service of 15 years as the Founding President of the Republic of Namibia.”
Charles said Namibia is a valued member of the Commonwealth and reflected on a visit his mother Queen Elizabeth II made to the country in 1991.
“I recall with particular gratitude how much Her late Majesty The Queen enjoyed Her State Visit to Namibia in 1991, hosted so graciously by President Nujoma,” Charles said.
“His lifelong commitment to freedom and democracy, overcoming so much adversity on that journey, was truly inspirational.
“It is a testament to the legacy of Dr Nujoma that the Republic of Namibia, as a valued member of the Commonwealth of Nations, still maintains and embodies the values of peace and democracy which its Founding President so keenly promoted and protected.
“Our deepest sympathy and prayers are with the former First Lady, Kovambo Nujoma, their family, and the people of the Republic of Namibia at this dreadfully sad time.”
Similarly, the Nigerian Government has expressed its condolences to the government and people of Namibia over the passing of Dr Sam Nujoma, the founding President of the southern African country.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, in a statement on Sunday described Nujoma as a towering figure in the struggle for Africa’s liberation and unity.
Tuggar in the statement by Kimiebi Ebienfa, Acting spokesperson for the ministry, extolled Nujoma’s virtues as one who guided the country upon the pathway to independence.
“The revolutionary leader who guided Namibia to independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990 and subsequently, served as its first president for 15-years reportedly passed away peacefully on Saturday night in the nation’s capital, Windhoek.
“The departed elder statesman was a visionary leader, a Pan-Africanist and a relentless freedom fighter who dedicated his life to the emancipation of Namibia from colonial rule.
“His unwavering commitment to justice, equality and self-determination not only shaped the destiny of Namibia, but also inspired generations of Africans in the fight against oppression and injustice.
“As the pioneer President, Nujoma laid the foundation for a nation built on the principles of democracy, reconciliation and development.
“His leadership set the country on a path of peace and progress, earning him the respect and admiration of the international community.”
According to him, Nigeria shares in the grief of Namibian brothers and sisters such moment of profound loss.
“We remember Nujoma as a true friend of Nigeria, steadfast ally in pursuing African solidarity and cooperation; his legacy as a freedom fighter and statesman will forever remain source of inspiration for the continent.
“Therefore, in this time of mourning, Nigeria stands in solidarity with the people of Namibia and reaffirms our commitment to strengthening bonds of friendship, and partnership between our two nations. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Tuggar prayed.
(With additional report from Xinhua)
