MICHAEL-AZEEZ OGUNSIJI
Former Nigerian President and High Representative of the African Union in the Horn of Africa, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has described the late former United States of America (USA) Secretary of State, Gen. Colin Powell as one who understood Africa during his lifetime.
Obasanjo said late Powell was indeed a trusted colleague and Comrade-in-arm, whose closeness as an African-American with the mother Africa assisted in the growth of the continent.
Powell, the first African- American to be appointed Secretary of State in the history of United States died early Monday morning at 84 due to Covid-19 complications.
In release by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, copy which was made to newsmen on Monday, Obasanjo said, “General Powell’s tenure in office marked a significant departure from the traditional relations between Africa and the United States.
“He was Secretary of State under the administration of President George W. Bush, Jnr, part of the time I was President of Nigeria. He was not just an African-American, he was an African-American who understood Africa. That is what I found in him when he was Secretary of State.
“With him, among others, I have always seen advantage in the closeness of the African-Americans with the mother Africa. It is mutually good and beneficial for the Africans at home and for our brothers and sisters in diaspora in the US, Caribbean or Southern America.
“I cherished our relationship for the good of humanity in general and especially for the good of our race which collectively is the most abused, despised and disregarded race in modern history. He was indeed a trusted colleague and Comrade-in-Arm,” Obasanjo was quoted as having said.
The former President noted that the news of Powell’s death was received with sadness, stressing that, “his death is a great loss not only to his immediate family and to the United States of America but also to the entire world.
“Though the world, particularly Africa, would miss him, his legacies would continue to inspire many to reach the highest points of their productive, political and creative abilities. May God grant his soul perfect peace and rest,” Obasanjo stated.
