President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, has described the demise of a former Secretary General of the United Nations (UN), Koffi Annan, as the end of a golden era in global politics and international relations.

Saraki in a statement signed on his behalf by his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Yusuph Olaniyonu, described the late Annan as a quintessential African diplomat on the global plane and a citizen of the world, who deployed his vast capacities to tackle intractable global challenges ranging from hunger, conflict, epidemic and restoration of peace in war-torn countries.

He noted that many developing nations benefitted immensely from the humanitarian efforts of the late Annan during his lifetime as he was able to raise the concerns and challenges confronting hitherto forgotten peoples and nations in the Assembly of world powers.

According to Saraki, “Annan was a quintessential African Diplomat who bestrode the world stage with dignity, finesse, admirable restraint and wisdom. He was a diplomat’s diplomat. He dedicated his immense expertise, experience and energies to resolving some of the world’s most pressing problems and conflicts, including most recently, the Rohingya refugee crisis. He was a citizen of the world.

“Annan was an African avatar and God’s messenger of peace to the world. His demise is a huge loss to the international community and to humanity. Africa has indeed lost one of her best. He shall be sorely missed,” Saraki stated.

He commiserated with the wife and children of the deceased, the Government and people of Ghana, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), African Union (AU), the United Nations, international humanitarian organisations and the diplomatic community over the sad and irreparable loss.

He prayed God to grant the soul of the deceased mercies and to count him among the righteous ones in His abode.

Meanwhile, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara, has described Kofi Annan’s death as a huge loss to Africa and humanity.

Reacting to the news of demise of the former UN chief scribe via his official Twitter handle @YakubDogara, the Speaker said the late Annan has etched his name on the sands of time as a true son of Africa, quintessential leader and accomplished diplomat who dedicated his lifetime to the progress of humanity.

Hon Dogara added that the late Ghanaian diplomat was a true global ambassador who used his life to promote peace across the world.

“It is with a great sense of loss that I received the news of the passing on of former secretary general of the United Nations, Mr Kofi Annan.

“Even with the awareness that death is an inevitable end, even for great men, it does not reduce the feeling of loss with which I received the news of Kofi Annan’s death. His contributions to the advancement of the human race will never be forgotten.

“My heartfelt condolences to his family, Ghanaian government and the global community. May his soul find eternal rest in peace.”

And in Asaba, Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, extended his heartfelt condolences to the Kofi Annan family, the United Nations, the government and people of the Republic of Ghana on the demise of the global statesman.

In a condolence message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu, Governor Okowa described the death of the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize for humanitarian work winner as “a great loss to the international community where he led efforts to finding a peaceful solution to conflicts globally”.

According to the statement, “We have lost a global statesman who was deeply committed to global peace and conflict resolution. The highly revered diplomat will be long remembered for his towering role and dedication to improving lives through peaceful coexistence among people of diverse race.

“Mr Annan was bold and fearless as Secretary-General and told truth to power which led to his declaration of American invasion of Iraq in 2003 as “illegal” under international law. As UN Special Envoy to Syria, he proposed a six-point plan, that would have led to the early resolution of the crisis in Syria which was however not implemented by the Syrian government which led to his resignation as Special Envoy.”

The Governor noted that Mr Annan touched lives with his Kofi Annan Foundation that was committed to overcoming threats to peace, development and human rights around the world.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, Governor Okowa extols Mr Annan’s extraordinary and committed leadership at the United Nations where he emerged as the first black African to take up the role of the world's top diplomat, serving from 1997 to 2006 and his exceptional stewardship that led to the successful war against the HIV/AIDS pandemic including the establishment of the social investment fund “The Global Fund” to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria as well as the launching of the Millennium Development Goals.”

Governor Okowa expressed the hope that the international community and all those who mourn the late Kofi Annan will continue to honour his legacy of selfless service and commitment to human dignity and global peace.

He prayed God to grant his soul eternal rest and comfort his family, well-wishers and the people of the Republic of Ghana in this period of loss and global mourning.

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