An outpouring of condolences is being witnessed in Nigeria over the death, late yesterday, of ailing Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez died. Since the death of the revolutionary leader was announced by Vice President Maduro, Nigerians have taken to social media to mourn the man who lost the battle against cancer at the age of 58.

One of those mourning Chavez is Senator Ojudu Babafemi, who this morning posted a number of tributes in his honour. “Like Simon Bolivar before him Chavez made a huge impression on Latin America and the world. Love him or hate him he was a leader no one could ignore. He was revered by the millions of the poor he provided homes and medical care,” Ojudu wrote.

“Comrade Hugo Chavez is dead. He will forever live in the minds of the Venezuela poor. May his soul find peace. Hugo Chavez: An icon of his people. Hero of the poor. Adieu El Commandante Chavez (Farewell El Commandante Chávez),” Ojudu added.

On his part, former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode wrote: “One of the greatest leaders that the world has ever known passed on today. May the soul of President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela rest in perfect peace.”

Activist Denja Yaqub, an official of the Nigeria Labour Congress, said: “President Hugo Chavez will be remembered by Venezuelans as a leader who gave his country what the citizens needed to remain alive. Long live Hugo. A lesson for some Presidents. Goodnight, Hugo.”

Below are some other tributes by Nigerians:

Kayode Samuel: If there were just a few more leaders like Hugo Chavez in the oil producing countries wouldn’t the world be a much happier place.

Dili Ezughah: Adieu great man.

Femi Soneye: In Venezuela, Chávez was a hero to impoverished villagers who ENJOYED in the country’s oil wealth and benefited from housing improvements and health clinics. Detractors saw him as a dictator, packing the oil industry with incompetent cronies, repressing political opponents and ruining Venezuela’s attempts to modernize and democratize. Who will take care of us?’ Poor say after Chavez dies...Over two million Americans received free heating assistance, as goodwill to a US FORMER Democrat Rep.. Despite hatred from the Bush administration....he virtually gave Cuba all. Good night Hero of the POOR.

Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko: The death of Hugo Chavez of Venezuela this morning is a huge loss to millions of his people for whom his rule represented a departure from suffocating dictatorship of neo-liberals and neo-colonial promoters from the West. He built wealth, pride and respect for Venezuela but his attempts to change the constitution for life presidency for himself was a major drawback.

Kolawole Ojelabi: Comrade Hugo Chavez brought smiles to the face of many Venezuelans. He was well loved by his people and this accounts for why the nation was always united in prayers for him. He fought the good fight but God was ready to call him home. Adieu Comrade.

Chima Nwankwo: It is because of people like Chavez that the English expression “here lies a MAN” was coined!

•Photo: Late Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez.

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