President Buhari: Castro’s Place In History Assured

 

President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with the government and people of Cuba over the death of the country’s former president, Fidel Castro.

Castro, who ruled Cuba as a one-party state for nearly 50 years, died in the early hours of Saturday.

The Nigerian president, in a statement, offered his deepest condolences to the Cuban President, his brother, Raul Castro and the people of Cuba over the death.

“the legendary leader passionately served his people for almost half a century.’’

A ‘remarkable leader’

Buhari expressed the sympathy and solidarity of all Nigerians as Cubans mourn the exit of ‘this remarkable leader”.

He then noted that Castro, against all odds, stirred uncommon development in sports, education and healthcare sectors of his nation.

He further expressed delight that Castro lived to see the improved ties between his country and the United States.

“As a great friend to Africa, countries in the global South and the Non-Aligned Movement, Castro’s place in history is assured, given his sustained successful commitment and towering role in the liberation and anti-colonialism struggles in Africa,” he said.

Castro in history

The late Fidel Castro took over power in Cuba in 1959 in a revolution and ruled the country for 49 years with a mix of charisma and iron will.

The late Cuban leader created a one-party state and become a central figure in the Cold War era.

Castro, who for five decades defied U.S. efforts to topple him, died on Friday at the age of 90.

He had been in poor health since an intestinal ailment nearly killed him in 2006. It eventually forced him to formally cede power to his younger brother Raul two years later.

A state funeral has been fixed for Sunday December 4, in Santiago de Cuba, according to state media report.