By Chinyere Amalu

The British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown and the Russian President Dmitry Medvedev have joined the rest of the world to mourn the death of late President Yar’Adua.

The British PM, in a condolence message made available to Vanguard from the British High Commission, said he was impressed by the late Yar’Adua’s wiliness to tackle poverty, promote democracy and resolve conflict and defend rule of law.

“On behalf of the people of the UK, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to the Yar’Adua family and the people of Nigeria on the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. He served his country with great dedication, decency and integrity.

In a separate message from the Russian President, signed by the Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Dmitry Medvedev, said: “It is with deepest sorrow that I learnt the mournful news about the untimely decease of His Excellency,  President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

“President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua has made priceless contribution to the strengthening of democratic pillars of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as well as to the rise of its international authority.”

“He canvassed basic directions for further sustainable development of the economy, while his balanced and constructive internal policy promoted stability and peace for the country.

“I knew President Yar’Adua as a great friend of Russia, a staunch supporter of cooperation between our Nations, who did his best for broadening and deepening the Nigerian-Russian ties.

“In this trying moment, on behalf of the people of Russia and of myself, I would like to express our support, sincere sympathy and condolence to Your Excellency, the family of the President Yar’Adua and to the people of friendly Nigeria.