Olayiwola Matthew
President Bola Tinubu has joined global leaders in mourning the death of veteran United States civil rights activist Reverend Jesse Jackson, describing him as a moral voice who promoted democracy and civil liberties in Nigeria and across Africa.
Jackson, one of America’s most influential Black leaders, died on Tuesday morning at 84, according to a statement released by his family.
In a personal statement issued on Tuesday, Tinubu paid tribute to the renowned Baptist preacher, highlighting his lifelong commitment to justice, equality, and human progress.
“I join the rest of the world and the people of the United States of America to mourn the passing of civil rights icon and renowned Baptist preacher, Reverend Jesse Jackson, who passed away this morning at the age of 84,” the President said.
Tinubu described Jackson as a “servant-leader” who captured global attention as a young activist working alongside Martin Luther King Jr. in the struggle for racial justice.
He noted that Jackson’s influence extended beyond the United States, saying he played a key role in promoting civil liberties and democratic governance in Nigeria and across the African continent.
“In Nigeria and across Africa, Reverend Jackson promoted civil liberties and advanced the course of democracy and good governance. He also helped link African leaders with the Congressional Black Caucus to promote Africa’s interests in Washington,” Tinubu said.
The President also reflected on his personal connection, recalling his time as a student in Chicago in the 1970s, where he witnessed Jackson’s activism firsthand.
“As a student in the United States in the 1970s, I lived in Chicago, the same city where Reverend Jackson fought the most important battles against injustice and all forms of discrimination. I witnessed firsthand how, as a faithful servant of God and humanity, he pointed the arc of American society to the great promise of the American dream,” he said.
Tinubu also credited Jackson and his contemporaries for paving the way for Barack Obama’s historic election, noting that Jackson’s presidential bids in 1984 and 1988 helped break barriers in American politics.
He further praised Jackson’s role in the global anti-apartheid struggle, including his advocacy for the release of Nelson Mandela and support for sanctions against South Africa’s apartheid regime.
Tinubu also recalled Jackson’s appointment as special envoy to Africa by Bill Clinton in the late 1990s.
“Reverend Jackson lived a remarkable life as a strong voice for the universal ideals of justice and human progress… He wanted us to ‘keep hope alive,’” the President added.