President Goodluck Jonathan has declared three days of national mourning for former South African President, Dr. Nelson Mandela, who died on Thursday.
Flags are to be flown at half-mast across Nigeria during the period and President Jonathan urged all Nigerians to unite in solidarity with the people of South Africa as they mourn the “great liberator, freedom fighter and hero of the black race.”
A statement issued by his media aide, Dr. Reuben Abati, said the President also called for special prayers in mosques and churches in Nigeria during the period of mourning which begins on Friday, for the peaceful repose of Dr. Mandela’s soul.
A special inter-denominational memorial service for the anti-apartheid icon will be held at the State House Chapel on Sunday.
Also, the African Union Commission on Friday declared three-day mourning with special funeral service in honour the Madiba.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the special service will take place on Sunday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The AUC’s Deputy Chairperson, Mr. Eratus Nwencha, made the announcement, when he addressed a press conference on Mandela’s demise on Friday in Addis Ababa.
The AUC deputy chairperson said the commission would hold the service in collaboration with the Ethiopian government and the South African Embassy in Ethiopia in honour of the Nobel Peace Prize winner.
