President Muhammadu Buhari has stated that Nigeria owes a great debt to the late elder statesman, Chief Ernest Shonekan.
Recall that the demise of Shonekan, former Head of the Interim National Government, was announced on Tuesday at the age of 85.
This was contained in a statement signed by the special adviser on media and publicity, Femi Adesina.
Buhari said he received the news with profound sadness.
This is as he extended his condolences to Shonekan’s wife, Margaret, loved ones, as well as the government and people of Ogun State.
According to the statement, “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 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.
“President Buhari believes that Nigeria owes a great debt to Chief Shonekan, the peacemaker, who even at the twilight of his lifetime never stopped believing and working for a prosperous and democratic country.
“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.”