President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed his condolences over the death of Chief Ernest Shonekan, the Nigerian statesman who led the 1993 Interim National Government, saying Nigeria owes him a huge debt. ayokinews.com reports
Shonekan, who served as the interim President of Nigeria from August 26, 1993 to November 17, 1993, died on Tuesday in a Lagos hospital.
In a statement issued by his presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, President Buhari said he was deeply saddened by the news.
Buhari further expressed his sympathies to Shonekan’s widow, Margaret, as well as the government and people of Ogun State, over the loss of the icon.
The statement reads: “President Buhari believes that Nigeria owes a great debt to Chief Shonekan, the peacemaker, who even at the twilight of his life never stopped believing and working for a prosperous and democratic country,” the statement read.
Former Nigerian Interim President, Ernest Shonekan Dies At 85
“The President notes that Chief Shonekan demonstrated to all that the love for country and commitment to her development, peace and unity transcend the trappings of office and the transient nature of political power.”
“On behalf of the Federal Government, the President extends deepest condolences to Chief Shonekan’s wife, Margaret, loved ones, as well as the government and people of Ogun State.”
“As an internationally-respected statesman, President Buhari affirms that, with courageous wisdom, Chief Shonekan left his flourishing business career to become the Head of Government, at a delicate time when the country needed someone of his calm mien and pedigree to save the ship of state from sinking.”
“The President prays that the memory of the departed Head of Government will remain a blessing to Nigeria even as he finds perfect peace with Almighty God.”
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