The President of the Nigerian Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara have joined the global community to pay tribute to former Secretary General of the United Nations (UN), Koffi Annan, who died on Saturday morning at the age of 80.
In his tribute contained in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Mr Yusuph Olaniyonu,Saraki described the death of the former UN scribe as the end of a golden era in global politics and international relations.
He described the late Annan as a quintessential African diplomat on the global plane and a citizen of the world who deployed his vast capacities to tackle intractable global challenges ranging from hunger, conflict, epidemic and restoration of peace in war torn countries.
Saraki noted that many developing nations benefitted immensely from the humanitarian efforts of late Annan as he was able to raise the concerns and challenges confronting “forgotten peoples and nations in the Assembly of world powers.
“Annan was a quintessential African Diplomat, who bestrode the world stage with dignity, finesse, admirable restraint and wisdom. He was a diplomat’s diplomat.
“He dedicated his immense expertise, experience and energies to resolving some of the world’s most pressing problems and conflicts, including most recently, the Rohingya refugee crisis.
“He was a citizen of the world, an African avatar and God’s messenger of peace to the world. His demise is a huge loss to the international community and to humanity.
“Africa has indeed lost one of her best. He shall be sorely missed.”
The president of the senate commiserated with the wife and children of the deceased, the Government and people of Ghana.
He also commiserated the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), African Union (AU), the United Nations, international humanitarian organisations and the diplomatic community over the irreparable loss.
He prayed God to grant the soul of the deceased mercies and to count him among the righteous ones in His abode.
In his own tribute, Dogara, described the death of Annan as a huge loss to Africa and humanity.
Reacting to the news of demise of the former UN chief scribe via his official Twitter handle @YakubDogara, on Saturday, Dogara said the late Annan had etched his name on the sands of time as a true son of Africa.
He also described the late Annam as a quintessential leader and accomplished diplomat, who dedicated his life time to the progress of humanity.
Dogara added that the late Ghanaian diplomat was a true global ambassador, who used his life to promote peace across the world.
“It is with a great sense of loss that I received the news of the passing on of former secretary general of the United Nations, Mr Kofi Annan.
“Even with the awareness that death is an inevitable end, also for great men, it does not reduce the feeling of loss with which I received the news of Kofi Annan’s death.
“His contributions to the advancement of the human race will never be forgotten.
“My heartfelt condolences to his family, Ghanaian government and the global community; May his soul find eternal rest in peace,” Dogara said.
Mr Kofi Annan, a recipient of the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize, died at age of 80 peacefully in his sleep on Saturday after a short illness.