Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has described the late ex-Head of the Interim National Government (ING), Ernest Shonekan, as a unifying force in Nigeria.

The retired General declared that his contribution to the development and advancement of democracy can not be forgotten.

Obasanjo, in a condolence letter to Mrs Margaret Shonekan on Tuesday, noted that her partner was a good example and patriotic citizen.

He stated the deceased was a man who had a strong will to prosper regardless of coming from a modest background.

Obasanjo remembered that Shonekan increased to the top of corporate management with his chairmanship of the United Africa Company (UAC)

“He founded, in 1994, the Economic Summit Group, an advocacy group and believe tank for private sector-led advancement of the Nigerian economy.

“It stays till today, sustaining the tradition of assisting to support stakeholders in the execution of policies, programmes and methods in reaction to any emerging trends in global and nationwide economies.”

Obasanjo, currently on global task as the High Representative of the African Union (AU) for the Horn of Africa, said he recuperated the news with terrific shock.

On the political scene, Obasanjo said Shonekan did well as leader of the ING in 1993, cut short through the palace coup orchestrated by General Sani Abacha.

“As Special Envoy on the Implementation of the Abuja Agreement on Zimbabwe in 2001 under my administration as the President, and Chairman, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) under Yar’Adua’s administration in 2008, he was forthright, devoted and showed great patriotism.

“He was a unifying force for the nation and his contribution to the growth and advancement of democracy in Nigeria can not be forgotten in a rush. In all scenarios, he lived nobly and he died in nobility. He was an achiever.

“Indeed, Chief Shonekan passed away at a time the country remains in alarming need of his leadership, wealth of experience and knowledge to take on the complex difficulties facing the country,” Obasanjo was estimated as having Obasanjo added.

DailyPost