By Chibuike Nwabuko
Abuja (Sundiata Post) – Former Nigerian President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has extolled the virtues of the late United States Secretary of State and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Colin Powell who died on Monday.
Jonathan’s tribute, which was contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Ikechukwu Eze, noted that before the election of President Barack Obama in 2008, Colin Powel was the highest ranking African American to have served in the public sector of the United States.
According to the former president, in that capacity, General powell served as a beacon of hope and was a pride of the Black Race. The former president described late powell as a renowned United States public servant and great leader who left solid and indelible footprints in the sands of time.
Jonathan noted that his stellar military career paved the way for other African Americans to reach for the top, adding that he articulated a new paradigm for engaging in military action.
In his words: “ Until the election of President Barack Obama in 2008, Colin Powel was the highest ranking African American to have served in the public sector of the United States. In that capacity, he served as a beacon of hope and was a pride of the Black Race.
“His stellar military career, which saw him become the first Black Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, which pivoted him to also becoming the first US Secretary of State of colour, paved the way for other African Americans to reach for the top. His articulation of the Powell Doctrine gave the United States, and the world at large, a new paradigm for engaging in military action with honour and decorum.
“As Secretary of State, he was known for his tactful management of America’s foreign relations, of which he extended a right hand of fellowship to the Yar’adua administration when I was Vice President.
“His death at 84 after a long, useful and fulfilled life, is mourned by my family and I, as well as the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation. He left solid and indelible footprints in the sands of time, and would be greatly missed. Our prayers are with his family at this trying time for them.” the former president added.
Sundiata Post recalls that General Colin Powell was said to have died of COVID-19 complications despite having been vaccinated.