President Jonathan Mourns Margaret Thatcher
By Chimdimma Ndubisi and Kudu Abubakar
Former British Prime Minister Baroness Margaret Thatcher is dead. She suffered a stroke attack this morning and died at the age of 87.
Global leaders added their voices to the tributes, with Barack Obama saying Lady Thatcher had been a “true friend” to the US. “As a grocer’s daughter who rose to become Britain’s first female prime minister, she stands as an example to our daughters that there is no glass ceiling that can’t be shattered,” he said.
“As prime minister, she helped restore the confidence and pride that has always been the hallmark of Britain at its best.
“And as an unapologetic supporter of our transatlantic alliance, she knew that with strength and resolve we could win the Cold War and extend freedom’s promise.
“Here in America, many of us will never forget her standing shoulder to shoulder with President Reagan, reminding the world that we are not simply carried along by the currents of history – we can shape them with moral conviction, unyielding courage and iron will.”
The Argentine Pope Francis said he recalled “with appreciation the Christian values which underpinned her commitment to public service and to the promotion of freedom among the family of nations.”
President Goodluck Jonathan says the death of Baroness Margaret Thatcher, has placed her in history, as one of the greatest leaders of our time. In a message of condolence to the government and people of Great Britain and members of the Commonwealth signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati, the President said she has attained a legendary status in her lifetime after positively transforming Britain in her eleven and a half years as Prime Minister. He said the late Prime Minister will be eternally honoured for serving her country with immense passion and strong willed determination as well as for the great transformation that resulted from her economic and social policies. The President said Thatcher will be remembered by the World for her unique, distinctive and purposeful leadership, which restored pride and respect to her country and made a resurgent Great Britain, a force to be reckoned with on the global stage. He assures the Prime Minister, David Cameron and the People of Britain that the government and people of Nigeria share their grief.
Meanwhile Nigeria’s former Ambassador to the U.S. and one-time Chairman, Senate Committee on foreign relations Professor Jibril Aminu has described the death of Margaret Thatcher as the end of an era in the UK. He was reacting to the death of the former British Prime Minister from Yola, Adamawa State in a telephone interview with Kudu Abubakar.
Currently, Buckingham Palace is flying its flags at half mast in honor of Lady Thatcher.
