President Muhammadu Buhari today, December 10, attended the funeral ceremony of the former president of Benin Republic, late Mathieu Kerekou in the country’s capital, Cotonou.
Buhari who was accompanied to the ceremony by Nigeria’s minister of foreign affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, described the late leader as “a father of his nation and founding father of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)”.
The president who spoke on behalf of other African leaders at the Friendship stadium, venue of the ceremony, also stated that the late Kerekou was a beloved leader of his people and an ardent advocate of international cooperation who will be greatly missed within and outside his country.
President Buhari with his colleagues; Boni Yayi of Benin Repubic, Faure Gnassingbe of Togo and Muhammodou Issoufou of Niger Republic at the ceremony
He said: “On behalf of my colleagues, fellow presidents and leaders of our continent of Africa, I rise today, to speak in honour of a departed African statesman, a father of his nation, indeed a founding father of ECOWAS.
“General Mathieu Kerekou was a great defender, fervent lover and pursuer of international peace, solidarity and security.
“We recall that in pursuance of his commitment to peace, stability and progress in his country, General Kerekou voluntarily established the political framework for the return of Benin Republic to democratic governance in the 1990s.
“His two democratic mandates from 1996 to 2006 underscored the ardent love his people had for him as a great leader and that period witnessed great democratic freedom that continues to exist today, as the foundation for lasting peace and stability in Benin Republic.”
President Buhari discussing with Presidents Boni Yayi of Benin Republic and Muhammodou Issoufou of Niger Republic
The leaders pay their final homage to the late Kerekou
He urged the late President’s wife, Mrs. Margaret Kerekou, members of his family, President Boni Yayi and the people of Benin Republic to be consoled by the belief that having lived a very fulfilled life in the service of his country, General Kerekou has gone to a well deserved rest from his earthly labours.
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