The Northern Governors’ Forum has eulogised the former Head of the Interim National Government (ING), Chief Ernest Shonekan, saying his legacies of patriotism, patience and tolerance will continue to live on.
They lauded the late elder statesman critical role of ensuring the stability of Nigeria during one of its difficult moments.
The forum, in a condolence message by its Chairman and Governor of Plateau, Simon Lalong, said Shonekan was a gift to Nigeria.
The condolence message was issued on behalf of Lalong by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr Makut Macham on Saturday in Jos.
“He was an accomplished technocrat who distinguished himself in the world of business rising to the peak, before being called upon to serve the nation as the head of the ING,“ the statement noted.
The forum described the death of the elder statesman as a huge loss to the entire country and commiserated with his family and the nation.
The governors urged Nigerians to honour Shonekan’s memory by working together to build democracy and good governance.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Shonekan, who died at the age of 85 on Jan. 11, was the Head of the ING from Aug. 26 to Nov. 17,1993 when he was eased out in a palace coup led by the then Minister of Defence, the late Gen. Sani Abacha.