Mandela one of history's 'greatest liberators', says Nigeria

ABUJA - Nigeria's president mourned the loss of one of history's "greatest liberators" in a condolence message to South Africa on Thursday after the death of Nelson Mandela.

Goodluck Jonathan, the leader of Africa's most populous country, said "Mandela will always be remembered and honoured by all mankind as one of its greatest liberators, a wise, courageous and compassionate leader, and an icon of true democracy."

He described the former South African president "as a source of inspiration to the oppressed peoples all over the world."

Mandela's "death will create a huge vacuum that will be difficult to fill in our continent," Jonathan said.