From Fred Itua, Abuja
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has commiserated with the family of the late Serene Majesty, King Prof. TJT Princewill, Amachree Xi, Amanyanabo of Kalabari Kingdom.
In a letter personally signed by the former President and addressed to the only child of the late monarch, Prince Tonye Princewill, Jonathan extolled his virtues.
Jonathan who was a student of the late monarch at the University of Portharcourt, Rivers State, said he was a blessing to the Ijaw nation when he was alive.
Jonathan wrote: “On behalf of my family, I condole with the Princewill family and entire Kalabari kingdom as your beloved father, Patriarch and Amayanabo of the Kalabari kingdom, His Serene Majesty, King Prof. Theophilus Jacob Tom Princewill, JP, CFR. Amachree XI is laid to rest.
“His Majesty lived an incredibly active and exemplary life as an academic and first-class traditional ruler. He was a gift and a tremendous blessing to the jaw nation. He will be fondly remembered for his contribution to national development throughout his career in the academia where he occupied several strategic positions in which he excelled.
“His achievements earned him a place in the history of our great country and the award of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) in 2011.
“We hope that your family and the entire Kalabari kingdom will take solace in the fact that he committed his time to serving God, promoting peace and development in the society. His legacies should be preserved by all those who knew and loved him.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as he is laid to rest. May his soul rest in God’s eternal peace.”