By Abraham Olatokunbo
Former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has condoled with the government and people of Tanzania over the death of their President John Pombe Joseph Magufuli, describing him as a man who did his best to advance his country.
In a condolence message, Dr. Jonathan who noted that he knew the late President well because of his frequent visit to the country to promote democracy prayed God to grant his soul eternal rest and comfort the grieving nation.
Dr. Jonathan wrote: “Today, a bright star has been plucked from the African continent. President John Magufuli of Tanzania was a man I knew quite well, due to my frequent visits to Tanzania for the advancement of democracy in Africa.
“I found in him a true patriot who loved his country and did his best to steer the ship of state away from the brink and to the bank of the river of peace, progress and prosperity.
Tanzania has been blessed in the area of leadership and has enjoyed consistent stability because of men like Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, and his worthy successors, and it is my hope and prayers that that beautiful and determined nation will continue this tradition.
My condolences to his family, especially First Lady Janeth Magufuli, and their children, as well as the government and people of Tanzania. My thoughts go out also to his party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi.
May God grant his soul repose, and may He comfort the grieving nation.”
