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 clamored 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.
Eulogizing 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.”
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