Secretary-General Addresses General Assembly on Nigerian Leader’s Death

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s remarks to the General Assembly in honour of the late President Alhaji Umaru Yar’Adua of Nigeria, today, 13 May, in New York:

I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing away of His Excellency Alhaji Umaru Yar’Adua, the President of Nigeria and Commander-in-Chief of the country’s armed forces.

The late President left an important mark on his country.  During his relatively short period in office, he pursued his responsibilities with dignity and with respect for the rights of all.

He will be remembered for his unwavering contribution to democratic governance, economic revitalization and, in particular, his determined efforts to bring peace to the Niger Delta region.

As Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), he fought tirelessly against unconstitutional changes of government and for the restoration of peace and stability throughout the subregion.

I am also grateful to the late President for his commitment to the principles and objectives of the United Nations.  One concrete demonstration of that support is Nigeria’s current standing as the fourth largest troop contributor to United Nations peacekeeping operations.

As Secretary-General of the United Nations, I personally had the honour of working with the late President in addressing regional and global issues, and I benefited greatly from his wisdom and his commitment.

I offer most sincere condolences to Alhaji Yar’Adua’s family, to the people and Government of Nigeria, and to all others touched by this loss.  And I extend my best wishes to his successor, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, as he now seeks to promote peace and development for all the people of Nigeria.

And Excellencies, before I conclude, I would like to take this opportunity again to express my profound condolences for those people killed in yesterday’s plane crash in Libya.  My deepest condolences to the families and the countries involved.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record