Secretary-General Deeply Saddened by Death of Nigerian President,

Says ‘Great Loss for Nigeria and Its People’

 

The following statement was issued on 5 May by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is deeply saddened to learn of the death of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

Mr. Yar’Adua’s death is a great loss for Nigeria and its people.  He will be remembered, among other things, for his efforts to bring peace and stability to the Niger Delta region and for his commitment to democratic governance and electoral reforms.

The Secretary-General will remain grateful for Mr. Yar’Adua’s unwavering support to the United Nations and its ideals and principles and for the initiatives he undertook as the chairman of the Economic Community of West African States.

He extends his heartfelt condolences to Mr. Yar’Adua’s family and the people and Government of Nigeria.

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For information media • not an official record