Tinubu Pays Tribute to Late American Civil Rights Leader, Rev. Jesse Jackson

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of Nigeria, has joined world leaders in mourning the passing of American civil rights leader and Baptist preacher Jesse Jackson, who died at the age of 84.

In a statement on Tuesday, Tinubu described Jackson as a “servant-leader who dedicated his life to fighting for the dignity of Black people, the oppressed, and the voiceless in the United States and around the world.”

The president recalled that Jackson rose to global prominence as a young activist working alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and continued the struggle for racial justice after King’s assassination.

He noted that Jackson played a pivotal role in advocating for improved social and economic conditions for African-Americans and remained a powerful voice in American politics and global affairs.

Reflecting on his own time as a student in Chicago in the 1970s, Tinubu said he witnessed Jackson’s battles against injustice and discrimination firsthand.

He credited Jackson with helping to lay the foundation for the eventual election of Barack Obama as the first Black President of the United States, noting that Jackson’s presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988 broke racial barriers in American politics.

The Nigerian leader also highlighted Jackson’s strong ties to Nigeria and Africa, describing him as a moral voice against apartheid in South Africa and a leading advocate for the release of Nelson Mandela and other African National Congress leaders.

He acknowledged Jackson’s role in mobilising international support for sanctions against the apartheid regime.

Tinubu further recalled that during Nigeria’s years of military rule, Jackson consistently stood in defence of human rights and democratic governance.

He noted that Jackson served as Special Envoy to Nigeria and Africa under former U.S. President Bill Clinton in 1997 and 1999, promoting civil liberties and strengthening democratic institutions across the continent.

Describing Jackson as a lifelong advocate for justice and human progress, Tinubu said the late cleric’s enduring message to “keep hope alive” resonated across generations.

He prayed for Jackson’s peaceful repose and extended condolences to his family, the people of the United States, and all those inspired by his legacy.