Tinubu mourns Jesse Jackson, hails legacy on justice and democracy

President Bola Tinubu has joined world leaders in mourning the death of American civil rights icon, Jesse Jackson, who passed away at the age of 84.

In a statement on Tuesday, President Tinubu described the renowned Baptist preacher and activist 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 Nigerian leader noted that Reverend Jackson rose to global prominence as a young activist working alongside Martin Luther King Jr., continuing the struggle for racial justice after King’s assassination. He said Jackson played a pivotal role in demanding improved social and economic conditions for African-Americans and remained a powerful voice in American politics and global affairs.

Recalling his time as a student in Chicago in the 1970s, Tinubu said he witnessed firsthand Jackson’s battles against injustice and discrimination in the city. He credited the late cleric and activist with helping to lay the groundwork for the eventual election of Barack Obama as the first Black President of the United States, noting that Jackson’s presidential bids in 1984 and 1988 helped break racial barriers in American politics.

President Tinubu 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.

The President further recalled that during Nigeria’s years of military rule, Jackson stood firmly 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.

Tinubu described Reverend Jackson as a lifelong advocate for justice and human progress whose message to “keep hope alive” resonated across generations.

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