October 19, (THEWILL) – President Muhammadu Buhari has on behalf of all Nigerians offered our deepest condolences to US President Joe Biden, the government and the people of the United States on the passing of former Secretary of State Colin Powell.
THEWILL reported that Powell, the influential former secretary of state and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff who played a pivotal policy role during the administration of then-President George W. Bush, died on Monday from complications related to COVID-19. He was 84.
The president in a statement issued on Monday by Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said Powell, the first African American chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest military position in the U.S. Department of Defense, and the first African American Secretary of State, was a great statesman and a global icon.
President Buhari recounted that as U.S Secretary of State, Powell played a very important role in advancing his country’s foreign policy and national defense interests.
According to the president, the deceased was also a great advocate of polio eradication as well as addressing the deadly spread of HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa.
“President Buhari’s prayers and thoughts are with General Powell’s family and the people of the United States as they mourn the death of an exceptional leader and one of America’s greatest pride, who as a professional soldier, a distinguished public servant and an effective diplomat, gave his utmost for his country,” the statement added.
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