Walter-Carrington
Eulogies have continued to trail the death of, Walter Carrington, former US Ambassador to Nigeria who died barely three weeks after celebrating his 90th birthday on July 24.
President Muhammadu Buhari had in a birthday message on July 24 expressed his personal appreciation and that of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the extraordinary support of the Ambassador for democratic causes in Nigeria and around the globe.
Buhari noted in particular, the support of Carrington and those of other patriots including the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) for the June 12 political cause in Nigeria.
He added that their efforts impacted on the resolution achieved under this administration with the recognition of Chief MKO Abiola’s victory and apology rendered by the nation for the injustice done to him as well as the naming of a federal monument after him.
“Thank you, Ambassador Carrington!’’ the president had said.
A statement signed by Carrington’s Nigerian wife, Arese Carrington, said Mr. Carrington died peacefully on Tuesday.
“It is with a heavy and broken heart but with gratitude to God for his life of selfless humanity that I announce the passing of my beloved husband Walter Carrington, former U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria and Senegal.
“He passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones at the age of 90 years old on Tuesday, August 11th, 2020. Further announcements will be made shortly,” the statement read.
Mrs Carrington described the late diplomat as a loving husband, father, grandfather, cousin, uncle, friend and in-law.
“Ralph Waldo Emerson said…It is not the length of life but the depth of life.
“Walter was fortunate, his life had both length and depth,” she said in the statement.
Carrington, born in 1930 is an American diplomat, who served as the United States Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Senegal and Nigeria.
He was appointed by U.S. President Bill Clinton in 1993 as the US Ambassador to Nigeria, where he remained until 1997. He played active role in the June 12 struggle and mediation for peaceful resolution of the crisis of that time.
