Jonathan Extends 'Heartfelt Commiserations' To El-Rufai On Son's Death

In a display of statesmanship, President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday
commiserated with a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory
and one of his fiercest critics, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, on the death
of his son, Hamza.

We earlier reported that Hamza died in a motor accident in Abuja on
Tuesday morning.

Reacting to news of the former FCT minister son's death, President
Jonathan, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and
Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, expressed the belief that the outpouring
of support at this moment by his friends and associates would comfort
El-Rufai.

He also prayed for the repose of the deceased's soul.

The statement read, "President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has received
with a deep sense of grief and shock, news of the sudden and untimely
death of Hamza El-Rufai, son of the former Minister of the Federal
Capital Territory, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.

"On behalf of himself, his family and the Federal Government,
President Jonathan extends his heartfelt commiserations to Mallam
el-Rufai and all members of the El-Rufai family.

"The President says although no amount of words can fill the deep gap
created by the loss of Hamza, he hopes that the outpouring of support
at this moment by friends and associates will comfort Mallam El-Rufai.

"President Jonathan prays for the peaceful repose of the soul of the
departed and also for God's blessing, comfort and protection for
Mallam El-Rufai and the rest of his family".