By Ken Afor
Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has extended his condolences to the government and people of Namibia following the death of their leader, Hage Geingob.
The New Diplomat reports that Geingob’s passing was announced in a statement released on Sunday by the acting President, Angolo Mbumba.
According to the statement, Geingob died around 00:04 at Lady Pohamba Hospital in Windhoek, the country’s capital, with his wife and children by his side at the age of 82.
Mbumba appealed for calm, assuring that necessary arrangements concerning the administration of the country would be communicated.
He said, “The Namibian nation has lost a distinguished servant of the people, a liberation struggle icon, the chief architect of our constitution and the pillar of the Namibian house,” Mbumba said.
“At this moment of deepest sorrow, I appeal to the nation to remain calm and collected while the Government attends to all necessary state arrangements, preparations and other protocols. Further announcements in this regard will be made.”
Reacting to Geingob’s death, President Tinubu, in a statement released on his official X account, said the late Namibian leader was a veteran in the struggle for democracy.
According to Tinubu, the late activist was an advocate for economic, social, and political freedom among African peoples.
The Nigerian leader added that Geingob’s sudden demise is a tragedy at this period when the continent is in desperate need of visionary leaders whose contributions can strengthen Africa’s unity.
The statement reads in part, “On behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, I extend our deepest condolences to the government and people of Namibia over the passing of His Excellency, President Hage Geingob.
“I mourn the painful loss of a veteran in the struggle for democracy, a proponent of good governance, and an advocate for economic, social, and political solidarity among African peoples.
“This tragedy comes at a time when Africa is in dire need of more visionary leaders who believe in our common destiny and who can strengthen the bonds across our borders and spread the tendrils of cooperation in all fields of human endeavour.”
It would be recalled that in January, late Geingob was said to have commenced treatment after doctors discovered “cancerous cells” during a routine colonoscopy and gastroscopy.
Details about Geingob’s diagnosis or prognosis were not revealed, he continued with his duties.
In 2013, Geingob, an anti-apartheid participant, underwent brain surgery, and the subsequent year, he declared himself free from prostate cancer.
Also, in 2023, grappling with diverse health challenges, the departed president underwent aortic surgery in the neighboring country of South Africa.
