He promoted civil liberties across the world – Tinubu mourns Jesse Jackson

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of civil rights icon and renowned Baptist preacher, Reverend Jesse Jackson.

DAILY POST reports that Jackson passed away on Tuesday at the age of 84 years.

Tinubu described Jackson as a servant-leader who captured the global imagination as a young activist, alongside civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., fighting for the dignity of black people, the oppressed, and the voiceless in the United States and across the world.

He said although the cleric built a career working as a preacher and active political organiser, he became a national and global icon, demanding improved social and economic conditions for African-Americans.

Tinubu further described Jackson as a community organiser and activist, adding that he was an influential figure in American politics and global affairs.

“I join the rest of the world and the people of the United States of America to mourn the passing of civil rights icon and renowned Baptist preacher, Reverend Jesse Jackson.

“Along with other compatriots, Reverend Jackson carried on the unfinished business of Martin Luther King Jnr in the noble fight for racial justice in the United States.

“As a student in the United States in the 1970s, I lived in Chicago, the same city where Reverend Jackson fought the most important battles against injustice and all forms of discrimination.

“I witnessed firsthand how, as a faithful servant of God and humanity, he pointed the arc of American society to the great promise of the American dream.

“In Nigeria and across Africa, Reverend Jackson promoted civil liberties and advanced the course of democracy and good governance. He also helped link African leaders with the Congressional Black Caucus to promote Africa’s interests in Washington.

“If Barack Obama became the first Black American president, it was because Reverend Jackson and his fellow activists did not relent in their march for justice, reminding America of its values and creed.

“When Barack Obama broke the glass ceiling as the first Black President in America, it was Reverend Jackson who first inflicted the cracks on the ceiling in 1984 and again in 1988 when he offered himself as a Democratic Party presidential contender,” Tinubu said.