President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of American civil rights leader, Reverend Jesse Jackson, describing him as a global symbol of justice, equality, and human dignity.

In a condolence message issued on Tuesday, Tinubu joined “the rest of the world and the people of the United States of America” in grieving the passing of the veteran activist and Baptist preacher, who died at the age of 84.

Tinubu paid tribute to Jackson’s decades-long role in the struggle for racial justice, noting his close association with Martin Luther King Jr. and the broader civil rights movement.

“Reverend Jackson was a servant-leader who captured the global imagination as a young activist, alongside Martin Luther King Jr., fighting for the dignity of black people, the oppressed, and the voiceless,” the President said.

He acknowledged Jackson’s influence in American political life, crediting him with helping to reshape the country’s social and democratic landscape.

“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,” Tinubu stated.

Reflecting on Jackson’s presidential bids, Tinubu described them as historic milestones that challenged racial barriers in American politics.

“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,” he said.

Tinubu also recalled his personal connection to Jackson’s activism, referencing his time as a student in Chicago during the 1970s.

“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,” the President noted.

Highlighting Jackson’s ties to Africa, Tinubu described the cleric as “a great friend of Nigeria and Africa,” praising his opposition to apartheid in South Africa and support for the release of Nelson Mandela.

“He was a moral voice and a formidable resistance to apartheid. He played a leading role in the campaign for the release from prison of Nelson Mandela and other African National Congress leaders,” Tinubu said.

The President further recalled Jackson’s involvement in Nigeria’s political history, particularly during the years of military rule.

“During the dark era of military dictatorship in Nigeria, Reverend Jackson stood in defence of human rights and the restoration of democratic rule,” he said, adding that Jackson served as Special Envoy appointed by Bill Clinton to Nigeria and Africa.

Tinubu praised Jackson’s enduring message of hope and resilience, saying his legacy would continue to inspire generations.

“Reverend Jackson lived a remarkable life as a strong voice for the universal ideals of justice and human progress… He wanted us to ‘keep hope alive’,” the statement read.

He concluded by praying for the peaceful repose of the late activist’s soul.

In the same vein, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party and presidential aspirant, Dr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has mourned the death of American civil rights icon, Jesse Jackson, describing him as one of America’s finest moral exports and a global symbol of justice and democratic struggle.

In a tribute made available to our correspondent on Tuesday, Hashim said Jackson’s passing at the age of 84 marked the end of an era in the global pursuit of equality, human dignity and social justice.

He noted that the late civil rights leader’s influence extended far beyond the borders of the United States, inspiring generations of activists across continents.

According to him, Jackson stood firmly in the tradition of prophetic activism and carried forward the unfinished work of the Civil Rights Movement.

Olawepo-Hashim recalled Jackson’s close association with the slain American civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr., saying he helped transform grief into organised resistance in the post-King era.

“Reverend Jackson was a moral voice moulded in the crucible of the struggle for democracy and inclusion.

“He transformed grief into organised resistance and hope into measurable political progress at a defining moment in American history, ” Olawepo-Hashim said.

” Olawepo-Hashim, who once served as General Secretary of the Youth Solidarity for South Africa in 1986, said Jackson’s leadership of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition mobilised millions and amplified the voices of the marginalised.

He said the late cleric consistently insisted that the poor and excluded must have a seat at the table of power.

“His message was always clear: inclusion is not charity, it is justice,” he added.

Hashim further highlighted Jackson’s presidential campaigns in the 1980s, describing them as historic efforts that expanded the imagination of what was politically possible for minorities in America.

He said those campaigns helped reshape the democratic landscape of the United States and reinforced the belief that the ballot, peaceful protest and moral conviction remain powerful instruments of change.

The PDP chieftain, who was declared a Prisoner of Conscience by Amnesty International in 1989, said Jackson’s legacy resonates deeply with African advocates of justice and liberation.

“At a time when the world confronts division and distrust, his legacy challenges us to rebuild bridges, defend democratic institutions and protect the dignity of every human being,” Olawepo-Hashim said.

He commiserated with the American people over the loss, saying, “A towering voice for justice has fallen silent, but the echo of his unwavering fight for equality will continue to inspire generations to stand boldly for what is right.”

Meanwhile, eulogies are pouring in after the death of the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, who led the U.S. Civil Rights Movement for decades. The protege of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and two-time presidential candidate was 84.

“He was a gifted negotiator and a courageous bridge‑builder, serving humanity by bringing calm into tense rooms and creating pathways where none existed.

“My family shares a long and meaningful history with him, rooted in a shared commitment to justice and love. As we grieve, we give thanks for a life that pushed hope into weary places.” — Rev. Bernice King, daughter of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

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“Reverend Jackson was more than a civil rights advocate — he was a living bridge between generations, carrying forward the unfinished work and sacred promise of the Civil Rights Movement.

“He walked with courage when the road was uncertain, spoke with conviction when the truth was inconvenient, and stood with the poor, the marginalized, and the forgotten when it was not popular to do so.” — Martin Luther King III and his wife, Arndrea Waters King

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“Today, I lost the man who first called me into purpose when I was just twelve years old. And our nation lost one of its greatest moral voices. The Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson was not simply a civil rights leader; he was a movement unto himself. He carried history in his footsteps and hope in his voice. One of the greatest honors of my life was learning at his side. He reminded me that faith without action is just noise. He taught me that protest must have purpose, that faith must have feet, and that justice is not seasonal, it is daily work.”— Rev. Al Sharpton

There was ‘a bridge called Jesse Jackson’ across decades of civil rights advocacy
There was ‘a bridge called Jesse Jackson’ across decades of civil rights advocacy
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“I knew him well, long before becoming President. He was a good man, with lots of personality, grit, and ‘street smarts.’ He was very gregarious – Someone who truly loved people! … Jesse was a force of nature like few others before him.” — President Donald Trump

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“He was a frequent presence during our April 4th commemorations of Dr. King’s assassination at the Lorraine Motel, not as a guest, but as a witness to history and a steward of King’s unfinished work. His words, presence, and leadership during those solemn remembrances reminded us all of the price of freedom and the urgency of our continued struggle.” — The National Civil Rights Museum, located on the site of the former Lorraine Motel where the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated

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“With an eloquence and rhythmic rhetoric all his own, Jesse Jackson reminded America that equal justice is not inevitable; it requires vigilance and commitment, and for freedom fighters, sacrifice. His ministry was poetry and spiritual power in the public square. He advanced King’s dream and bent the arc of history closer to justice.” — Sen. Raphael Warnock of Georgia, senior pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. pastored for a time

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“Reverend Jesse Jackson was not only a civil rights icon—he was family to the NAACP. His work advanced Black America at every turn. He challenged this nation to live up to its highest ideals, and he reminded our movement that hope is both a strategy and a responsibility. His historic run for president inspired millions and brought race to the forefront of American politics.” — NAACP Chairman Leon W. Russell, Vice Chair Karen Boykin Towns and President & CEO Derrick Johnson

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“His campaigns for an end to apartheid included disinvestment from the apartheid economy and challenging the support the regime enjoyed in certain circles and institutions internationally.

“We are deeply indebted to the energy, principled clarity and personal risk with which he supported our struggle and campaigned for freedom and equality in other parts of the world.” — South African President Cyril Ramaphosa

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“Of the generation that took up the mantle directly from Dr. King, Jesse Jackson stood among the last standard-bearers—relentless in his pursuit of justice, fearless in speaking truth to power, and resolute in his belief that America could be better than it was. He created what he often called ‘productive tension,’ forcing the nation to confront its conscience and act.” — National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial

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“Because of Reverend Jackson, millions were empowered to say, ‘I am somebody.’ His legacy is woven into every advancement in voting rights, economic justice, and civil rights over the last half-century.” — Ben Crump, civil rights attorney

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“Indeed, Jesse Jackson was a gift from God and a witness that God exists in the ways he cared for and lifted all people, the way he called forth a rainbow coalition of people to challenge economic and social inequality from the pulpit to a historic presidential run, the way he dared to keep hope alive whenever the nation struggled with being who she says she is and yet ought to be.” — Rev. William Barber, minister and activist

The Kebbi State Government has applauded President Bola Tinubu, 78 traditional rulers, and other eminent stakeholders for the successful hosting of the Argungu Fishing Festival.

The Deputy Governor, Umar Tafida, who served as Chairman of the Main Organizing Committee for the 61st Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival, made this known at a press briefing to appraise the support received during the event.

Tafida insisted that the physical presence of President Tinubu added glamour and prestige to the historic occasion.

“Let me use this opportunity to sincerely appreciate the physical presence of Mr. President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, at the grand finale of the 61st Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival,” he said on Tuesday.

According to him, his presence added more glamour and made it a beautiful event.

He said, “Equally, we commend the support of His Excellency, the Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, for his unwavering support throughout the activities of the festival. His Excellency was present at various events and ensured that everything went according to plan.

“Our Governor allowed the Main Organizing Committee and all the sub-committees to execute their assigned tasks, which contributed significantly to the success of the festival.

“We are most grateful to all the governors, ministers, and the 78 emirs who physically attended the festival. They truly made us proud before the international community.”

Tafida added that they were indebted to all sponsors, the people of Kebbi State, as well as the fishermen and media organizations for the critical roles they played in making the event a successful outing.

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Public Communication and Orientation, Sunday Dare, on Tuesday dismissed claims that there is no difference between the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, currently serving a life sentence for terrorism charges, and Yoruba nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho.

Dare, in a statement released in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, said there is no basis for comparison between the two, and stressed the need to highlight their differences for public understanding.

He contended that while Kanu, recently convicted of terrorism by a Federal High Court in Abuja, engaged in insurrection and armed confrontation with the Nigerian state—which he said resulted in the deaths of more than 700 people and caused economic paralysis in South-East states—Igboho’s activism focused on defending South-West communities against criminal activities by rogue herders and advocating peacefully for a Yoruba nation.

Recall that Igboho, on Friday, February 13, 2026, urged Kanu to prioritise diplomatic engagement with the Federal Government to resolve his case.

In a statement released by his counsel, Pelumi Olajengbesi, Igboho commended Kanu for officially cancelling the Monday sit-at-home order that had affected the South-East for five years, describing it as a necessary step toward restoring stability in the region.

However, Dare said in his statement on Tuesday, “Nnamdi Kanu’s IPOB movement involved elements widely associated with insurrection and direct confrontation against the Nigerian state.

This included enforcement of ‘sit-at-home’ orders (often through threats and violence), resulting in numerous deaths (reports cite over 700 fatalities linked to enforcement clashes and defiance killings).

“Other inimical activities include attacks on security forces, destruction of public infrastructure, and the formation of armed groups like ESN.

“Kanu’s rhetoric and actions escalated to calls that many viewed as inciting violence against the state and even against his own people in the South East who defied orders.”

The statement further reads, “In contrast, Sunday Igboho’s activism centred on defending Yoruba communities, primarily against alleged killings, kidnappings, and farm destructions by suspected herders. He focused on self-defense, warding off criminal elements from Yoruba land.

“Igboho also deployed peaceful agitation for Yoruba self-determination/Oduduwa Nation without establishing a militia to fight the Nigerian military, without ordering attacks on police or soldiers, and without imposing paralyzing enforcement measures like sit-at-home orders that harmed civilians or the economy in his region.

“The line is clear: one crossed into armed rebellion and violent enforcement that affected (and sometimes harmed) his own ethnic group, while the other remained largely defensive and localised against perceived external threats, without the same level of state-targeted insurgency.

“Public discourse should stop equating the two; the contexts, methods, and consequences are fundamentally different.”