Buhari pays tribute to former head of state, Chief Shonekan

By Timi Black
Chief Correspondent

President Muhammadu Buhari has paid tribute to the life and legacy of Chief Earnest Shonekan, following his death on Tuesday 11th January, 2022 in Ogun state.

In a statement by the State House on Tuesday which was signed by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) said President Buhari received with profound sadness the news of the death of a great statesman and former Head of the Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan.

Meantime, the president on behalf of the Federal Government had extended deepest condolences to Chief Shonekan’s wife, Margaret, loved ones, as well as the government and people of Ogun State.

The statement read in part:”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”.

President Buhari narrated 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.

According to the President, Nigeria owes a great debt to Chief Shonekan, the peacemaker, who even at the twilight of his life time never stopped believing and working for a prosperous and democratic country.

The President, however, prayed that the memory of the departed Head of Government should remain a blessing to Nigeria even as he finds perfect peace with Almighty God.