by Ayiba Jare Ojukonsin

For Goodluck Jonathan, President of Nigeria, “Mandela will always be remembered and honoured by all mankind as one of its greatest liberators, a wise, courageous and compassionate leader, and an icon of true democracy.’’ He further described him as an “Inspiration to the oppressed peoples all over the world’’ who made “Unparalled personal sacrifices.’’

The words of the Holy Bible in Ecclesiastes 7:1 that “A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one’s birth” is a reflection of the life of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, Africa’s greatest hero and a man who despite his black origin, commands respect the world over.

Unlike the diplomatic courtesy nations of the world are obliged to extend to Chief Executives of every state as a political standard irrespective of whether such a person honestly deserves it, the uncommon respect Mandela, South African anti-apartheid revolutionary enjoyed in his life time even unto death is legendary.

His passage yesterday at the beautiful age of 95, spread like wild fire fuelled by the love of many who wish he could live forever, brokering peace in the troubled areas of the earth and reminding us all that socio-political change can be achieved without the firing of arms.

South Africa’s President, Jacob Zuma who announced his demise, in a voice shaded with emotion, said the nation has lost “Its greatest son” adding also that “Although we knew this day was going to come, nothing can diminish our sense of a profound and enduring loss.’’

In a similar vein, the President of America, Barrack Obama, said “We’ve lost one of the most influential, courageous and profoundly good human beings that any of us will share time with on this earth’’ while British Prime Minster, David Cameron describe Mandela as “A towering figure in our time; a legend in life and now in death – a true global hero.”

French President, Fancois Hollande said Mandela’s message would “Continue to inspire fighters for freedom, and to give confidence to peoples in the defence of just cause and universal rights” while UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon simply describe him as “A giant for justice and a down-to-earth human inspiration.”

For Goodluck Jonathan, President of Nigeria, “Mandela will always be remembered and honoured by all mankind as one of its greatest liberators, a wise, courageous and compassionate leader, and an icon of true democracy.’’ He further described him as an “Inspiration to the oppressed peoples all over the world’’ who made “Unparalled personal sacrifices.’’

Indeed, the world is greatly touched by the death of this man who is not being remembered for being the first ever black President of South Africa but rather will forever be celebrated as that revolutionary who fought hard, spent years in prison and sacrificed his pleasures for the general good of all South Africans and many oppressed people the world over.

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Op-ed pieces and contributions are the opinions of the writers only and do not represent the opinions of Y!/YNaija.