President Bola Tinubu has expressed profound sorrow over the demise of Namibian President Hage Geingob, whom he described as a stalwart in the struggle for democracy and a beacon of visionary leadership in Africa.
Geingob, aged 82, passed away on Sunday after battling cancer, as revealed in a statement from Namibia’s acting president, Nangolo Mbumba.
In a condolence statement released on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu lamented the loss of Geingob, highlighting his significant contributions to the advancement of democracy and governance on the African continent.
“President Tinubu mourns the painful loss of this veteran in the struggle for democracy; proponent of good governance, and advocate of economic, social, and political solidarity among African peoples,” the statement conveyed.
Tinubu emphasized that Geingob’s passing comes at a critical juncture when Africa requires visionary leaders committed to fostering unity and cooperation across the continent.
“As Namibia mourns, President Tinubu assures the Republic that his thoughts and prayers, and indeed those of Nigerians, are with them,” the statement affirmed.
Geingob, who served as Namibia’s longest-serving prime minister and third president, was first elected president in 2014.
Despite facing health challenges, including brain surgery in 2013 and an aortic operation last year, Geingob remained dedicated to his duties.
At the time of his passing, Geingob had been undergoing treatment at Lady Pohamba Hospital in Windhoek, where he continued to receive medical care in his fight against cancer.