President Muhammadu Buhari has extended his heartfelt condolences as the former Head of the Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan dies at the age of 85.
Shonekan, who succeeded the military junta of General Ibrahim Babangida died on Tuesday, January 11, at a hospital in Lagos.
He was the Chairman of the interim National Government between August 26 and November 17 1993 before he was ousted in a coup led by late General Sani Abacha who was the Secretary of Defence.
Buhari said that, “Shonekan demonstrated to all that the love for country and commitment to her development, peace and unity transcend the trappings of office and the transient nature of political power.”
The condolence message was contained in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, Femi Adesina, titled, ‘President Buhari Pays Tribute To The Life, Legacy Of Chief Shonekan’.
It reads, “President Muhammadu Buhari has received with profound sadness the news of the death of a great statesman and former Head of the Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan."
“On behalf of the federal government, the President extends deepest condolences to Chief Shonekan’s wife, Margaret, loved ones, as well as the government and people of Ogun State."
“As an internationally-respected statesman, President Buhari affirms that, with courageous wisdom, Chief Shonekan left his flourishing business career to become the Head of Government, at a delicate time when the country needed someone of his calm mien and pedigree to save the ship of state from sinking."
“The President notes that Chief Shonekan demonstrated to all that the love for country and commitment to her development, peace and unity transcend the trappings of office and the transient nature of political power."
“President Buhari believes that Nigeria owes a great debt to Chief Shonekan, the peacemaker, who even at the twilight of his lifetime never stopped believing and working for a prosperous and democratic country."
“The President prays that the memory of the departed Head of Government will remain a blessing to Nigeria even as he finds perfect peace with Almighty God.”
Briefly
Shonekan was born on May 9, 1936, in Lagos into the family of an Abeokuta-born civil servant. He was educated at CMS Grammar School and Igbobi College, Lagos State.
He bagged a law degree from the University of London but later attended Harvard Business School.
Shonekan joined the UAC in 1964. He rose through the ranks in the company and was promoted to an assistant legal adviser. He later became a deputy adviser and joined the board of directors at the age of 40.
He was elevated to the position of a chairman and managing director in 1980.
In January 2, 1993, Shonekan assumed office as head of the transitional council and head of government under General Babangida.
At the time, the transitional council was designed to be the final phase leading to a scheduled handover to an elected democratic leader of the Third Nigerian Republic.
Babangida later resigned from office in August 1993, following the annulment of the 12 June presidential election. He had signed a decree establishing the Interim National Government led by Shonekan who was subsequently sworn-in as Head of State.
Three months into his administration, Shonekan was overthrown in a palace coup by Abacha in November 1993.
In 1994, he founded the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), an advocacy group and think-tank for private sector-led development of the Nigerian economy.
At the time of his death, he was the third oldest surviving Nigerian Head of State after Queen Elizabeth II and General Yakubu Gowon.
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