Rawlings consoles Nigeria

Accra, May 7, GNA - Former President, Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings has sent a message of condolence to President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria, following the death of his predecessor, President Umaru Yar' Adua on Wednesday.

In a letter dispatched through the Nigerian Embassy in Ghana on Thursday, President Rawlings said: "My wife and I write to express our heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Nigeria over the death of our friend and colleague."

Former President Rawlings said the late Nigerian leader was committed to peace and development not only in Nigeria but also in neighbouring countries.

"Ghana was lucky to have his intervention during the last Presidential election in 2008. His efforts at ending violence in the oil rich regions of Nigeria were commendable," Flt. Lt. Rawlings said. Flt. Lt. Rawlings congratulated President Jonathan who was sworn in as Head of State of Nigeria.

"Thankfully you worked with President Yar' Adua and played a key role in all the successes he chalked. "The position comes with many challenges you are already conversant with and we pray that your forthrightness and ability to steer Nigeria through the last few months will help you forge ahead successfully," President Rawlings said. 7 May 10