Immediate past president, Goodluck Jonathan has described the late lawyer, Dr. Tunji Braithwaite, as a strong democrat, who contributed to national development.
This was contained in a condolence letter to the deceased’s family.
Jonathan said the late activist, who died on Monday, was one of the few courageous statesmen in the opposition during the military era.
Jonathan said: “I extend my deepest sympathy at the passage to eternal glory, of an elder statesman, whose tremendous contributions helped to shape the progress of our nation.
“Dr. Braithwaite will continue to live in the memories of many Nigerians as a strong advocate of a truly democratic Nigeria and one of the few who had the courage to stand in the opposition during the military regime.
“I recall our encounters during which, as a strong believer in the unity of Nigeria, he clamoured for a national dialogue, seeing it as an avenue through which lasting unification of the country could be achieved. He never stopped advocating policies that would improve the quality of lives of Nigerians.
“His family will be comforted by the fact that his legacies as a lawyer, author and a pro-democracy activist and contributions to national development and humanity will continue to endure.
“I pray that God Almighty grants his soul eternal repose and imbue his family and the nation the strength of spirit to bear his absence.”
On his part, Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka led eminent Nigerians, who visited the Lagos home of the late Dr. Braithwaite to commiserate with the family.
Eulogising the deceased, Soyinka said, “The word elder statesman means he was retired but I will refer to him as a counter statesman, who always put government on its toes.”
Comments