Former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has condoled with the President of Tanzania, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, over the passing of her husband, Hafidh Ameir Hassan.
Hassan died while receiving treatment at a hospital in Zanzibar and was buried at his family’s residence in Kizimkazi, a village on the country’s semi-autonomous island of Zanzibar, on Monday evening.
Obasanjo, in a statement made available to newsmen by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, on Tuesday, described late Hassan as the first ‘First Gentleman’ that carved a unique path in the country’s history.
Obasanjo said, “Rather than seeking the noisy glare of the political spotlight, late First Gentleman remained a humble and dedicated agricultural academic, choosing to anchor’s wife family with quiet grace.
“He stood by your side through the decades, long before you took up the monumental task of leading your great country, providing the warmth of home and a steady anchor.
“His passing is not only a profound personal loss for you and your children, but it is also a loss for the wider East African community that respects your leadership and service.”
Obasanjo stated that the news of the passing was received with a deep sense of shock and profound sorrow.
“On behalf of my family and on my own behalf, I write to express our heartfelt condolences to Your Excellency, your children including Wanu and the entire bereaved family during this difficult and painful moment of bereavement.
“The loss of a lifelong companion and pillar of strength is a heavy burden to bear, but I pray you find comfort in the enduring legacy of peace, quiet dignity, and steadfast support that he exemplified throughout your shared journey, adding, it was a profound personal loss for you and your children, but it is also a loss for the wider East African community that respects your leadership and service.
“We take solace in knowing that he lived a meaningful life and left behind a wonderful family that continues to contribute meaningfully to public life and society.
“May the Almighty God grant you the fortitude and divine comfort needed to bear this irreparable loss, and may He grant the soul of our dear brother, Hafidh Ameir Hassan, eternal rest,” he added.
