A South African naval contingent parades outside Tuynhuys, the presidential office in Cape Town, for the arrival of Ghana's President John Atta Mills and President Jacob Zuma(PHOTO ESSAY: Ghana's President on State Visit to South Africa )

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has received with shock and immense sadness news of the sudden death of President John Atta Mills of Ghana.

On behalf of himself, the government and people of Nigeria, President Jonathan extends sincere condolences to late President Mill's family as well as the government and people of Ghana.

The President assures the people of Ghana of the sympathy and solidarity of the people of Nigeria as they mourn late President Mills who did his best during his tenure to carry forward the process of democratic consolidation and socio-economic development in Ghana.

He prays that God Almighty will grant the late President's soul eternal rest and bless his successor with the fortitude and wisdom he will need to keep Ghana firmly on the path of peace, stability and progress.

It is President Jonathan's hope and expectation that the excellent relationship which existed between Nigeria and Ghana during President Mill's tenure will continue to be strengthened under the new leadership in Ghana in the mutual interest of both countries.