Nigeria declares days of mourning for Madiba

Abuja - President Goodluck Jonathan has
declared three days of national mourning
following the death of Nelson Mandela, South
Africa’s first democratically-elected president.
The revered former statesman and ant-apartheid
activist passed away on Wednesday evening at
his Johannesburg home aged 95.
He had been critically ill for some time.
"President Jonathan has declared 3 days of
national mourning for former South African
President, Nelson Mandela who passed away
yesterday," stated the presidential special
assistant on new media, Reno Omokri.
He said the national flags would be flown at half
mast during the period.
“Flags are to be flown at half-mast across
Nigeria during the period. President Jonathan
urges Nigerians to unite in solidarity with South
Africa,” said Omokri.
"The President also calls for special prayers in
mosques and churches in Nigeria during the
period of mourning which begins today, for the
peaceful repose of Dr Mandela’s soul."
The president had earlier expressed immense
sadness over the death of the former South
African President.
In a condolence message to President Jacob
Zuma, President Jonathan conveyed the
sympathy and solidarity of the Federal
Government and people of Nigeria to him and all
South Africans.
He added that Mandela served as a source of
inspiration to the oppressed peoples all over the
world and will always be remembered and
honoured by all mankind.
It was reported South Africa would declare ten
days of mourning for the late statesman.