By Ayodele Oni
Chairman of the Southwest Governors’ Forum and Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu,SAN, has joined others to mourn the passage of former Nigeria’s Head of Interim Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Richard Olatunde, stated that “Governor Akeredolu received the news of the death of elder statesman and former Head of the Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan with a heavy heart.
“Governor Akeredolu described his death as a huge loss to the country, while noting that the vast experience of the elder statesman was an asset to the country, particularly with the array of challenges confronting the nation.
“The Governor said the late Shonekan was committed to the peace and unity of the country, and pursued it with vigor and dedication as a patriot.
“Arakunrin Akeredolu maintained that the service of the former Head of Interim National Government will never be forgotten in the annals of history of the country.
“Chief Ernest Shonekan was a Nationalist per excellence. His belief in a United and Peaceful Nigeria was unparalleled.
“He was dedicated to the progress and development of the county. He will be sorely missed.
“His historic and patriotic role in maintaining the unity of the country was one of the many things that endeared him to many.
“He was indeed, an asset, his counsels were useful for national cohesion and progress.
“Governor Akeredolu prayed God to grant the deceased eternal rest, while commiserating with his wife, the government and people of Ogun State.”
In his condolence message, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, said “I am saddened by the passing of Nigeria’s former Interim Head of National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan at the age of 85.
“Shonekan was an unassuming leader and a cerebral lawyer, who helped to steady our nation during the turbulent years of Nigeria’s Third Republic.
“Committed to the good of our dear country, he played his part, making sacrifices to set Nigeria on the path of progress even with the dark clouds that hovered over our affairs in the 1990s.
“As the founder of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group, his commitment to private and free enterprise remains indelible in the annals of our history.
“It is heartbreaking that Chief Shonekan will not be available to offer his priceless advice and guidance as we approach another election season.”
He noted that the late Chief Shonekan will be remembered for his fortitude while he was on the saddle as Interim Head of National Government as well as the genuine effort made to guide Nigeria back to democratic rule.
“I commiserate with all Nigerians, the Government and people of Ogun State and his immediate family and pray that God grants us all the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
