Just as is happening elsewhere in the world, more tributes are pouring in for departed world elder statesman, former South African President Nelson Mandela, who died last night at age 95. The latest mourners include Governors Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State and Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, as well as former Minister of Information and Communications, Prof. Dora Akunyili.

Akpabio described the death of Mandela as the loss of a role model and an exemplary leader. A statement by his Special Assistant, Media, Mr. Jackson Udom, said: “A titan is gone. Mandela lived, suffered humiliation and imprisonment for 27 years and made history by forgiving his traducers.

“Mandela became president, and unlike typical African and certain world leaders, voluntarily ceded power to South Africans. The world has lost a role model and an exemplary leader. Madiba shall forever live in the hearts of true Africans and lovers of peace worldwide. Rest in Peace Madiba.”

Owelle Rochas Okorocha, on his part, lamented that the world has lost a great leader who lived a life of sacrifice for the well being of mankind.

Governor Okorocha who joined the rest of the world to mourn the death of the former South African President, Nelson Mandela pointed out that death is an inevitable end to all mortals and stressed that what is important in life is what one does with it. “It is no longer important whether a man dies but what is important is the legacy that he leaves behind,” Okorocha said.

He noted that Mandela has truly left a great legacy worthy of emulation and enjoined the people of the world not to mourn but try to emulate the legacies of the great leader as demonstrated in his live of sacrifice.

He maintained that leadership is all about sacrifice and enjoined the younger generation and those in authority to take a lead from life style of Mandela and use that as a standard for leadership.

On her part, Akunyili said in a tribute posted on her Facebook page: “The world has lost a truly remarkable leader. Adieu, Nelson Mandela. You were greatness personified.”

•Photo shows Mandela.

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