Presidents Joe Biden and Bola Tinubu have paid tributes to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who died on Sunday at his home. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and former President Barack Obama have also expressed their condolences.
Mr Carter, who served as the 39th U.S. president from 1977 to 1981, passed away at his home in Plains, Georgia, at the age of 100.
“Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian,” Mr Biden said. “I will be ordering an official state funeral to be held in Washington, D.C. for James Earl Carter Jr., 39th President of the United States, 76th Governor of Georgia, Lieutenant of the United States Navy, graduate of the United States Naval Academy, and favourite son of Plains, Georgia, who gave his full life in service to God and country.”
Mr Obama stated that the late former president taught “all of us what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, justice, and service.”
He added, “Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Carter family and everyone who loved and learned from this remarkable man.”
In a tribute posted on Truth Social, Mr Trump acknowledged his philosophical and political differences with Mr Carter but praised his love for the country and his respect for America.
“President Jimmy Carter is dead at 100 years of age. While I strongly disagreed with him philosophically and politically, I also realised that he truly loved and respected our country and all it stands for,” said Mr Trump. “He worked hard to make America a better place, and for that, I give him my highest respect,”
Nigerian leader, Mr Tinubu, said Mr Carter was a “beacon of service to humanity, demonstrating to leaders worldwide the profound impact of dedication beyond the highest office.”
Mr Tinubue added, “He tackled the challenges the developing world faced, from combating diseases to mediating conflicts and promoting democratic values. He exemplified grace, dignity, and a profound respect for humanity.”
The Nigerian president lauded the deceased’s contributions through The Carter Centre, particularly his efforts in eradicating Guinea worm disease and river blindness in Nigeria, which have significantly improved the lives of many Nigerians.
Reflecting on Nigeria-U.S. relations, Mr Tinubu remembered Mr Carter’s historic visit to Nigeria in March 1978 and his three-day stay at the State House in Marina, Lagos.
“Under Carter’s leadership, this visit marked a pivotal moment in U.S. foreign policy. It laid the groundwork for a pragmatic relationship between the United States and Africa, with Nigeria at its heart,” said Mr Tinubu.
(NAN)
