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IOM’s Director General joins world leaders paying tribute to Nelson Mandela
GENEVA – IOM today joins the global community in paying tribute to global icon, Nelson Mandela, with its Director General William Lacy Swing joining thousands of global dignitaries who have come to South Africa to pay last respects to the legendary South African leader.
Ambassador Swing, who worked closely with Mandela when he was US ambassador to South Africa from 1989 to 1992, will attend today the official memorial service to be held at the FNB Stadium near Soweto in Gauteng, the site of Nelson Mandela’s first speech in Johannesburg after his release from prison. Bidding farewell to a man dubbed as the most extraordinary liberation leader of Africa, Swing will also attend the public viewing ceremony on the 11th at the Union Buildings, the South Africa government house in Pretoria.
“We have lost a true leader; a beacon of true transformation, hope and humanity. I have had the privilege to meet Mandela during my term as the United States Ambassador to South Africa. I remember his warmth, modesty and friendliness, qualities that were infectious and continue to inspire our work in achieving a free, peaceful, and united global community,” says Swing.
“We are exceptionally privileged to have had such an inspirational and courageous leader – may his strong legacy of courage, integrity and generosity continue to live eternally and transform all four corners of the world,” adds Swing.
Ambassador Swing extends his condolences to Mandela’s family. “Just as the world has undeniably benefited from his remarkable work, the world now stands by his family. Our prayers and deepest sympathies go out to his dear spouse Grace Machel, his family and South Africans at large.”
Ambassador Swing extends his condolences to Mandela’s family “Just as the world has undeniably benefited from his remarkable work, the world now stands by his family. Our prayers and deepest sympathies go out to his dear spouse Grace Machel, his family and South Africans at large.”
“Nelson Mandela’s ultimate vision to bring justice, liberty and equality not only in South Africa but worldwide has been an inspiration for all international organizations, including IOM. The standards he set for himself were no doubt very high – he placed a huge burden on his shoulders; he built a progressive nation out of racial and social discrimination through peaceful and constructive reconciliation. IOM, through Mandela’s legacy vows to continue to strive for equality, freedom, human right, and peace for all humankind,” he concluded.
Mandela’s body will finally be laid to rest on Sunday 15 December in his home village of Qunu, in the Eastern Cape Province.
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) have disclosed details of their recent closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu, explaining that the engagement focused on strengthening Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The clarification came amid speculation surrounding the meeting, which took place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja after leaders of several opposition parties attended an Iftar dinner hosted by the president earlier in the week.
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Speaking during a gathering hosted in Abuja by the SDP’s former presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo on Friday, the party’s National Chairman, Prof. Sadiq Gombe, said the meeting with Tinubu followed an official invitation from the Presidency and lasted about an hour.
According to Gombe, the discussion centred on the need to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral laws and restore public confidence in the country’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 polls.
He explained that the meeting provided an opportunity for party leaders to remind the president of the importance of conducting transparent, free, and credible elections.
Gombe noted that democracy can only thrive when governments listen to the concerns of citizens and ensure electoral processes that guarantee fairness and accountability.
The SDP chairman also expressed concern over growing voter apathy, pointing to the low turnout recorded in the recent Area Council election in the Federal Capital Territory.
He said the Abuja Municipal Area Council election witnessed only about seven per cent voter turnout, which he described as a clear sign that many Nigerians are losing confidence in the electoral system.
Gombe urged the government and members of the National Assembly to take urgent steps to review electoral laws and rebuild public trust in Nigeria’s democracy.
Also speaking, the National Chairman of IPAC, Dr. Yusuf Dantalle, said political parties used the meeting to raise concerns about aspects of proposed electoral reforms, particularly issues related to indirect primaries and the mandatory electronic transmission of results.
Dantalle explained that the parties appealed to the president to use his influence to encourage legislative review where necessary, noting that reforms should strengthen, rather than complicate, the democratic process.
He expressed optimism that Tinubu would consider the concerns raised and support necessary amendments that would improve the electoral system.
The IPAC chairman also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strictly adhere to electoral guidelines as preparations for the next election cycle begin.
Earlier in his remarks, Adebayo cautioned political actors against turning the 2027 general elections into a do-or-die contest, stressing that the primary goal of democracy should be the progress and stability of Nigeria rather than personal political victories.
He urged leaders across political parties to encourage citizens to actively participate in the democratic process and ensure that elections are conducted peacefully and transparently.
President Bola Tinubu and Mr. Taiwo Oyedele during his nomination on Wednesday.
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