President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday joined other
world leaders in commiserating with King Salman Ibn Abdulaziz and the
people of Saudi Arabia on the death of his predecessor, King Abdullah
Ibn Abdulaziz.
Jonathan’s position was contained in a condolence letter to the new Saudi monarch.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and
Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, the President said King Abdullah would be
long remembered for entrenching the process of progressive reform in his
country.
He was further quoted as saying that he was confident that the
existing cordial and mutually-beneficial relations between Nigeria and
Saudi Arabia would be maintained and further strengthened under King
Salman.
The condolence letter read, “I have received with great sadness,
news of the death of His Highness, King Abdullah Ibn Abdulaziz at the
grand age of 90.
“On behalf of the government and people of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria, I wish to express my heartfelt condolences at the sad loss of
this illustrious monarch and revered leader.
“Our thoughts go out to the people of Saudi Arabia and, particularly, the Saudi royal family at this time.
“King Abdullah will be remembered for entrenching the process of
progressive reform, enduring stability and economic consolidation in
Saudi Arabia, while preserving the Kingdom’s place as the universally
acclaimed centre of the Islamic faith.
“While the government and people of Nigeria share in your loss, we
are hopeful that you and the entire people of the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia would be comforted by the enduring legacy of selfless service
that King Abdullah leaves behind.
“As Your Highness ascends to the throne as King of Saudi Arabia and
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, I am confident that the excellent
fraternal relations and productive partnership that have always existed
between our two countries and people will be further strengthened and
deepened in the years ahead.”
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