President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with the immediate family, friends, professional colleagues and political allies of elder statesman and pro-democracy activist, Tunji Braithwaite, who passed away on Monday.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar says the death of the veteran lawyer and politician has robbed the country of one of its greatest giants not only in the field of law, but also in politics.
A statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said the President believes the death came at a time that Braithwaite’s wisdom, intellectual depth, vast knowledge and experience were sorely needed by the country.
“President Buhari recalls the immeasurable contributions of the late sage to the development of democracy, rule of law and human rights in Nigeria, assuring his family and friends that the political history of the country would be incomplete without capturing his roles.
“The President urges political leaders to emulate the virtues of the founder of the Nigerian Advance Party (NAP) during the Second Republic, who perceived politics as a platform for honest service to the nation rather than an opportunity to make money.
“President Buhari notes that the elder statesman was quintessentially selflessness, patriotic and committed to national development as his passion to serve the people never waned despite not winning in the presidential elections.
“The President prays that the Almighty God will grant his soul eternal rest, and comfort his loved ones,” the statement said.
Atiku, in a statement by his media office in Abuja, said he particularly admired the late Braithwaite because of his unwavering commitment to constitutional reforms, especially his agitation for restructuring of the country.
The former Vice President explained that he shares in Braithwaite’s passion for creating a fairer federal system that would reduce the fear of too much power and resources at the centre at the expense of the federating units.
Atiku said he was keenly following Braithwaite’s contributions on the issue when he was a delegate at the 2014 National Conference, adding that his consistency in the pursuit of his convictions was remarkable.
According to him, the late veteran lawyer and politician was not “your typical Nigerian politician that opportunistically changes his opinions to ingratiate himself with the new powers that be.”
According to the Turaki Adamawa, “These are extraordinary virtues for which I admire him deeply and regard him as a role model. May his soul rest in peace.”
