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The family of the
late leader of Afenifere, Abraham Adesanya, at the weekend said that
President Goodluck Jonathan’s display of humility in his leadership of
the country had endeared him to all and that Nigeria needed such a
leader.

Mr. Jonathan was in
the Adesanyas’ Apapa family house at the weekend to commiserate with
the family over the death of its matriarch, Rosanna Arinola Adesanya,
who was the late Adesanya’s wife.

“We appreciate your
visit,” said Modupe Adelaja, the spokesperson for the family. “It is
rare to have a serving president visiting like you have done, they
usually send representatives. It is a sign of humility. It takes
somebody like you to lead the country. You are indeed a leader.”

Mrs. Adelaja, who
recalled that the president had also come in person to comfort the
family after the death of Abraham Adesanya, also described Mr. Jonthan
as a man of few words and prayed that as he marched forward in the
leadership of the country, he would succeed because of his focus.

“God installs leaders and he will install you,” she said.

Businessman and member of the family, Oba Otudeko, declared the total support of the Adesanyas for the president.

He said that even
though members of the family belonged to different parties, “we who are
present here, and those outside, are all resolved that we will do all
that is possible to ensure your election in April”.

Loss to Yoruba

The chief of staff
to the president, Mike Ogiaghome, said that the presidential visit was
to convey the condolences of the federal government, as well as that of
the people, to the Yoruba over the loss of the wife of a late leader of
the Yoruba and a great fighter for democracy. Mr. Jonathan said his
visit was to encourage the family and wish them well on the loss of
their mother.

“We feel your pain and you will remain in our prayers,” Mr. Jonathan
said. “Mama lived a good Christian life and worked with her husband to
bring about change in our society. Death is an inevitable end we all
will get to someday.”