‘What You Fight For Can’t Be Silenced’ — Mandela’s Widow Expresses Solidarity With Sanusi

Graca Machel, widow of late Nelson Mandela, has expressed sadness at the news that Sanusi Lamido has been dethroned as the Emir of Kano.

Speaking in a statement via her foundation, the Grace Trust, she added that she is willing to be of help to the dethroned Emir in his trying times if need be.

Her statement below:

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“I am deeply saddened to learn of you bring relieved of your official duties as Emir of Kano and held by government authorities,” the statement read.

“I am sending you this message of solidarity in the hopes that it provides you, in some small measure, with reassurance and a degree of comfort that you are not alone in your valiant struggles to confront corruption and the social ills burdening Northern Nigeria.

“Your influential voice as a man, as a traditional leader, and as a religious authority challenging the status quo is sorely needed not only in Nigeria, but throughout Africa.

“Your Highness, we hold you in very high regard and count on your knowledge, expertise, experience and wisdom to continue to lift the continent to higher heights. We proudly count you among the Graca Machel Trust’s International Board of Advisors and stand with you in your courageous efforts to speak truth to power.

“Your convictions are powerful ones that ring loudly in the hearts and minds of all those who value human dignity and equality and the causes you are fighting so steadfastly for cannot be silenced.

“Rest assured that critics of progressive thinking and action find themselves on the wrong side of history. Please remain strong and resilient. We are praying for your safety and your freedom.”