Ikenna Atanah
President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday visited the Lagos residence of the Head of the Interim National Government during the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, the late Chief Ernest Shonekan, to commiserate with the deceased family.
Buhari was accompanied to the Lugard Avenue, Ikoyi’s residence of the late Shonekan by Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his Ogun and Yobe State counterparts, Prince Dapo Abiodun and Mai Mala Buni.
The President and his entourage, who arrived at Shonekan’s house around 4:40pm were received by members of the late Shonekan family.
Buhari, who was on a one-day presidential visit to Ogun State to commission some projects by Governor Dapo Abiodun administration, stopped in Lagos on his way to Abuja and spent some time to commiserate with the late Shonekan’s family.
He sympathised with the family over the demise of the former Head of the Interim National Government, who died in Lagos on Tuesday at the age of 85.
Shonekan was at the helm of affairs in Nigeria between August 26 and November 17, 1993 after General Babangida stepped aside as military president.
Sanwo-Olu, in a condolence message issued on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, described the late Shonekan, as a renowned technocrat, seasoned administrator and passionate leader who served his country meritoriously as a public servant during his short tenure as Number One Citizen in Nigeria.
He said the late elder statesman did his best for the country in contributing to the growth and development of Nigeria.
The Governor also praised Shonekan’s contribution to the economy of Nigeria as boardroom guru and employer of labour, especially during his tenure as the Chairman and Managing Director of the United Africa Company.
Also, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), has expressed sadness over the death of Nigeria’s Former Head of Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan, which sad event took place in the early hours of Tuesday, 11th January, 2022 at the age of 85.
Chief Ernest Shonekan, was the Head of the Interim National Government between 26th August, 1993 and 17th November, 1993.
He was a highly respected lawyer and an Elder statesman, who served the Organised Private Sector meritoriously. As a result of his contribution to nation building, he is widely described as a stabilizer who brought calm to the uncertainty at that time in Nigeria’s political history.
Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole, President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) said: “Chief Ernest Shonekan will strongly be missed by all because of his numerous contributions to the economy as a Boardroom guru and the growth of the Organised Private Sector. He was a complete gentleman, who served humanity selflessly throughout his lifetime.”
Olawale-Cole further stressed that, “For us at the Lagos Chamber, his death is a colossal loss and we shall endlessly miss his forthright disposition, wealth of knowledge, experience and dedication to the organised private sector and the development of our great nation.
However, we are consoled by the manner of life he led and the great legacies he has left behind. It is indeed our hope and prayer that God Almighty, will comfort his dear family, give them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and grant him eternal rest.”