Reacting, Presidential Adviser on Media, Reuben Abati, said nothing unusual happened, as Chairman of the African Union (AU) Commission, Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, spoke on behalf of all African leaders.
In defending his principal, Abati said the president’s presence was enough, describing the criticisms as an “indication of a rising, minority tendency to read the negative into every official item”.
“It is a classic case of much ado about nothing; a complete non-issue. The late Madiba’s burial is not a United Nations Debating session. It is what it is; a burial, a solemn, national ceremony,” he said.
“Leaders from all over the world attended the Memorial Service to pay their last respects and to identify with South Africans in their hour of grief. ”It was certainly not meant to be an occasion for political grandstanding or the waving of flags.
“Out of about 100 world leaders who attended the event today, only six spoke at the ceremony. It was made clear at the occasion that the Chairman of the AU Commission, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma would speak on behalf of African leaders. And she did.
“I do not agree that Nigeria was insulted in any way. It was good that President Jonathan attended the Memorial service and that Nigeria is in solidarity with the South Africans. If every leader who attended the service had been asked to say a word, the event would not have ended.
According to the spokesman “There were many other leaders at the event, whose countries have strong historical and political ties with South Africa, but did not speak. I have not heard their compatriots crying like babies.
“This is obviously an indication of a rising minority tendency to read the negative into every official item,” he added.
Culled from Daily Post
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