‘Man of rare courage’ — Buhari mourns Nigeria’s ambassador to US

President Muhammadu Buhari has mourned Sylvanus Nsofor, Nigeria’s ambassador to the United States (US).

The 85-year-old diplomat passed away on Thursday at a hospital in Maryland in the US.

In a statement, Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, said Buhari had called Nsofor’s widow to commiserate with her over the death of her husband.

The president described the late diplomat as a man of rare courage and truth.

“President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed heartfelt commiseration with the family, friends and associates of Nigeria’s Out-going Ambassador to the United States, Justice Sylvanus Adiewere Nsofor over his demise,” Shehu said.

“In a telephone call to Jane, the widow of the retired justice in New York on Friday, the President described Amb. Nsofor as an outstanding judge of rare courage and truth who is not afraid to give justice to whom justice is due.

“Apparently referring to the 2003 presidential election during which Justice Nsofor delivered a minority judgment as a member of the Election Appeal Panel in favour of Gen. Buhari as candidate of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), the President said the country will miss people with such exemplary pedigree.

“President Buhari, who has directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to work with Justice Nsofor’s family on the burial arrangements, prayed God to comfort all who mourn the departed jurist and grant his soul eternal rest.”