President Muhammadu Buhari and other prominent Nigerian leaders have continued to express their sorrow at the death of Chief Ernest Shonekan, a former head of the Interim National Government who died on Tuesday at the age of 85.
Chief Ernest Shonekan' s death is one of the most painful deaths of politicians in Nigeria because of his contribution to the peace, development, stability, and unity of the country.
Watch: First if all, you have to know who Ernest Shonekan is
His rule in bringing peace and unity back to Nigeria after the June 12 1993 incident is worth commendable as its revealed in this article.
PDP Expressed Sadness Over The Death Of Chief Ernest Shonekan, Described The Incident As A National Tragedy
As reported by the Daily Post, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday expressed sorrow over the death of Chief Ernest Shonekan, a former Head of the defunct Interim National Government. The PDP described Shonekan' s death as a " national tragedy. "
Chief Ernest Shonekan, according to the party' s National Publicity Secretary, died early Tuesday morning after a brief illness as contained in a statement released by Debo Ologunagba.
According to the statement, Chief Shonekan was a very courageous, humble, and patriotic leader; he was a bridge- builder and an amazing statesman who committed his life to his people.
The report has it that, Chief Shonekan made enormous sacrifices to maintain Nigeria' s unity and stability during the height of the political crisis that threatened the nation' s corporate existence following the annulment of the presidential election on June 12, 1993, according to the report.
" Chief Shonekan' s dedication to the establishment of democracy was demonstrated by his determination to re- establish the rule of law and transparency in government. " According to the statement,
He stated that, even after leaving office, Chief Shonekan remained committed to the unity, stability, and growth of our nation' s people and institutions.
" Our Party is saddened that he had to leave the stage at a time when the nation most needed his depth of expertise and good advise, " PDP stated.
The PDP expressed its condolences to the Federal Administration, the government, and the people of Ogun State, as well as the Shonekan family, following the tragedy.
During their prayer meeting, the party asked God to grant the nation and the grieving family strength to face the enormity of the national loss.
Former President, Goodluck Jonathan Described Chief Shonekan As A Lover Of Sincerity As He Condole With The Family
The Tribune reported that former President Goodluck Jonathan described Shonekan as " an elder statesman, well- loved for his sincerity and sense of purpose" in a condolence message to the Shonekan family and the government of Ogun State.
In addition, the former president stated that Chief Shonekan was a well- respected leader because of the enormous amount of goodwill he brought to the governance of his people.
At a time when the country was going through one of the most difficult periods in its political evolution, he was a compassionate and determined administrator, a peacemaker, and a bridge- builder who stepped in to lead the country.
Before being appointed as the leader of the Interim National Government in 1993, Chief Shonekan had established himself as a leading industrialist and one of the world' s most influential businessmen.
As a result of his efforts to mainstream the private sector into the nation' s development drive, particularly through the institutionalization of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), which he founded, he has left enduring legacies, according to Jonathan.
It has been said that he will be remembered for his tremendous intelligence, serene demeanor, and the goodwill he offered to all as well as his considerable contributions to the growth of the nation' s economy, Jonathan added.
Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo Mourn Chief Ernest Shonekan Who He Described As A Unifying Force In Nigeria
According to the Daily Post, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has praised the late former Head of Interim National Government (ING), Ernest Shonekan, as a unifying force in Nigeria.
He went on to say that his contribution to the growth and development of democracy would not be forgotten by anyone.
Mrs. Margaret Shonekan received a condolence letter from President Olusegun Obasanjo on Tuesday, in which he noted that her husband was a role model and patriotic citizen.
He described the deceased as a man who, despite coming from a humble background, had a strong desire to achieve success.
Shonekan' s rise to the top of corporate management was highlighted by Obasanjo, who recalled how he rose to the position of chairman of the United Africa Company (UAC).
" In 1994, he established the Economic Summit Group, which serves as an advocacy group and think tank for the development of the Nigerian economy by the private sector.
" This legacy continues to this day, with the organization continuing to assist stakeholders in the implementation of policies, programs, and strategies to respond to any emerging trends in the national and global economies" , the letter read in part.
Obasanjo, who is currently serving as the High Representative of the African Union (AU) for the Horn of Africa, said he was taken aback when he learned of the development.
On the political scene, Obasanjo maintained that Shonekan performed admirably as leader of the ING in 1993, a tenure that was cut short by the palace coup orchestrated by General Sani Abacha in 1994.
" During his tenures as Special Envoy on the Implementation of the Abuja Agreement on Zimbabwe under my administration in 2001 and Chairman, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) under President Yar' Adua' s administration in 2008, he was forthright, dedicated, and possessed a strong sense of national pride.
" It is impossible to forget his role as a unifying force for the nation, and his contribution to the growth and development of democracy throughout Nigeria will not be forgotten in a hurry. In all circumstances, he behaved honorably, and he died honorably as well. He was a hard worker who achieved success.
" Indeed, Chief Shonekan passed away at a time when the country desperately needed his leadership, wealth of experience, and wisdom to address the multifaceted challenges facing the country, " Obasanjo' s statement read.
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