President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has eulogized the late former President of Cape Verde, Aristides Maria Pereira, calling him an authentic African hero who played a vital role in the liberation struggles that freed his country and other parts of Africa from colonialism.
In a letter of condolence to President Jorge Carlos Fonseca of Cape Verde on the death of Aristides Pereira, President Jonathan said that the former president’s death at a time when his country still needed his wisdom and experience was “a monumental loss”.
“It is with sadness that I received news of the passing of His Excellency, Aristides Maria Pereira, former President of Cape Verde and an Illustrious son of Africa.
“His role, along with other African heroes in mobilizing and directing the liberation struggles that freed Cape Verde and other parts of Africa from the vestiges of colonialism has ensured for him a prominent place in the annals of our continent’s political and developmental history.
“President Pereira shared the vision of an economically strong and stable sub-region when he joined his brother leaders in founding the Economic Community of West African States. He held strong convictions about establishing a just society for his people, a cause to which he devoted a lifetime of service and which earned him deserved respect and honour among Cape Verdeans.
“His passing at this time when Cape Verde still needs his wisdom and experience in building a stable and prosperous nation is a monumental loss.
“The Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria share in your grief, but are also confident that you and the entire Cape Verde nation will be comforted by the enduring legacy of service that Mr. Pereira leaves behind,” President Jonathan wrote.