National
Atiku Mourns, Says Shonekan Died At A Time His Boardroom And Political Skills Are Still Needed
Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar has reacted to the death of former Interim Head of State of Nigeria, Chief Ernest Shonekan.
Atiku in a personally signed message on Tuesday made available to www.tracknews.ng said the skills of the late politician and businessman will be missed at such a time as this.
As earlier reported on Tuesday by www.tracknews.ng, Shonekan died in Lagos at the age of 85. He was said to have breathed his last at Evercare hospital, in the Lekki area of Lagos state.
Reacting to his death, Atiku said Shonekan’s reign was interim, but his contributions enduring, praising him as someone with the ability to bring calm to troubled situations and resolve challenges.
Read his full statement below.
“It is with a sad heart that I received the news of the death of the former Head of State and Chairman of the defunct Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan.
“My grief is predicated not just on the demise of the elder statesman, because he died at a prime age.
“However, his exit at a time when the country would need his skills and global connections in finding solutions to many of our intractable challenges is quite saddening.
“Either as a politician or a boardroom guru, Chief Shonekan possessed a unique set skill of bringing stability to a tumultuous situation.
“That obviously was the consideration that made him become Head of the Interim National Government following the crises that greeted the events after the June 12 Presidential election.
“Although his reign as Head of State was interim, Chief Shonekan’s contribution to the peace and development of Nigeria in those days and latter years, remain enduring.
“My condolences go to his immediate family, the people and government of Ogun State and the entire nation for the loss of a man of industry and intellect, who lived a life of service to the country and humanity.
It is my prayer that God almighty receives his soul in a peaceful repose.