The Acting President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, received news of the passage of President Yar’’adua with great shock and sadness.

According to statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Acting President, Mr Ima Niboro, Jonathan said Nigeria has lost the jewel on its crown, and even the heavens mourn with our nation tonight”.

Dr. Jonathan described the death of the president as sad, unfortunate
and regrettable.

“As individuals and as a nation we prayed for the recovery of Mr. President. But we take solace in the fact that the
Almighty is the giver and taker of all life”, he observed.

Dr. Jonathan offered heartfelt condolences to President Yar’Adua’s widow, Hajiya Turai Yar’’adua, the entire Yar’’adua family, the people of Katsina State, and Nigerians both at home and the world over.

As a mark of respect for our departed leader, the Acting President has cancelled all official engagements. He has also declared a national mourning for seven days. During this period, the Nigerian flag will fly at half mast.

The remains of the President would be laid to rest in Katsina on Thursday, 6th May, 2010 at about 2 p.m,