The President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari has announced that he received with immense sadness news of the passing of Queen Elizabeth ll of the United Kingdom, saying that the Nigerian story will not be complete without her.
He also condoled with Great Britain and indeed, the Royal Family over the loss of the longest reigning monarch.
Buhari’s condolence message is contained in a statement signed late Thursday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, titled ‘President Buhari mourns the demise of the Queen of England.’
Africa Daily News, New York had earlier reported that Queen Elizabeth II of England had died at the age of 96 on Thursday at the Balmoral Castle, the United Kingdom.
According to an official release by the Royal Family, the queen was reported to have passed on peacefully.
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In his condolence message, the President said ‘My family and I, and the more than 200 million Nigerians have learned with immense sadness of the passing of the Queen and the end of her unique and wonderful 70 year reign. Her late Majesty was the only British Sovereign known to 90 percent of our population.
‘Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom and the entire Commonwealth as we join the entire world in mourning her loss.
‘The story of modern Nigeria will never be complete without a chapter on Queen Elizabeth ll, a towering global personality and an outstanding leader. She dedicated her life to making her nation, the Commonwealth and the entire world a better place.’
Buhari also welcomed the heir to the throne, King Charles III saying, “Your Majesty’s ascension to the throne in line with tradition and prays King Charles the Third’s reign will witness the continuing robust and sisterly relations between our two nations.”