SAN FRANCISCO, April 09, (THEWILL) – President Goodluck Jonathan said on Thursday that he was deeply saddened by the death of his Special Adviser on Research, Documentation and Strategy, Mr. Oronto Douglas.
President Jonathan in a statement extended his heartfelt condolences to the Douglas family and the government and people of Bayelsa State on the death of one of their most distinguished sons who served his country, state and the Niger Delta region, passionately and diligently, during his very impactful years on earth.
Oronto Douglas, who passed away after a protracted battle with cancer, was President Jonathan’s personal aide for close to a decade. The President said he would always remember him for his passion for work, excellence, inspiring creativity and outstanding commitment to his duties.
According to the statement, “The President remains thankful to God Almighty for the brilliance and resourcefulness that Oronto brought to bear on every assignment as a loyal and dutiful aide during his tenure as Governor of Bayelsa State and as Vice President, Acting President and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“President Jonathan believes that Oronto will remain a shining and worthy example for every young Nigerian who seeks a life of service and achievement.
“He prays that Almighty God will grant Oronto’s soul eternal rest, and the Douglas family and everyone who knew him, the fortitude to bear the pain of his death.
“Formal funeral arrangements will be announced by the Douglas family.”
Buhari condoles Jonathan, Douglas Family Over Oronto
President-elect General Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with President Goodluck Jonathan over the demise of his Special Adviser on Strategy and Documentation, Mr. Oronto Douglas.
In a condolence message to the President and made available to the media by the Directorate of Media and Publicity, APC Presidential Campaign in Abuja, General Buhari said: “I received the news of the death of your long-standing and key Aide, Oronto Douglas with sadness.
“I appreciate how close he had worked with you and considers him (Oronto), a young and dynamic individual who still has a lot to offer our country as we build on our democracy.
“I urge you, Mr. President to take heart and to convey my condolences to his immediate family as we pray for the repose of his humble soul.”
CD Mourns Oronto Douglas
The Campaign for Democracy (CD) has joined millions of Nigerians in mourning the death of renowned environmental campaigner, social crusader and Special Adviser to the President on Research and Documentation, Mr. Oronto Douglas, who died early Thursday morning after a courageous battle with cancer for about five years.
“Oronto Douglas,” according to a statement signed by President, Women Arise for Change Initiative & Campaign for Democracy, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, “would be remembered for his passionate commitment to issues of justice, democracy and the environment in a short life that now appears like he has been around for more than a century.”
According to the statement, “Even when he moved from social activism to the political plane, he did not abandon those values which mark him out as a democratic icon.
“What is mortal of Oronto Douglas would be interred but his good deeds will be remembered forever for the values he carried throughout his 49 years on earth.
“He will be sorely missed for his doggedness, eloquence sand clarity of thoughts on all issues that matter for a good society.
“Our condolences go to his family, colleagues and friends and President Goodluck Jonathan whom he served in health and ill-health.
“May his soul rest in perfect peace.”
