President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered that the National flag be flown at half-mast following the death of the first Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan, GCFR.
Chief Shonekan who died on Tuesday at the age of 85 succeeded General Ibrahim Babangida but was ousted through a coup by General Sani Abacha in November 17, 1993.
President Buhari wrote; “I have directed that the National Flag be flown at half-mast, effective from Wednesday 12th to Friday 14th January, 2022, as a mark of respect for the departed former Head of the Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan, GCFR.”
The President further stated that the late Chief Shonekan demonstrated his love for the country and revealed that Nigeria owes him a great debt as he never stopped believing or working for a prosperous and democratic country.
“I 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, I extend my deepest condolences to Chief Shonekan’s wife, Margaret, his loved ones, and the government and people of Ogun State.
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.
He 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.
Nigeria owes a great debt to Chief Shonekan, the peacemaker, who even at the twilight of his life time never stopped believing and working for a prosperous and democratic country.
I pray that his memory will remain a blessing to Nigeria even as he finds perfect peace with Almighty God.”
Meanwhile the Chairman of the Southwest Governors’ Forum and Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has said that the demise of Chief Shonekan was received with a heavy heart.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, on Tuesday, Arakunrin Akeredolu maintained that the service of the former Head of Interim National Government will never be forgotten in the annals of the 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,” the Governor said.
