Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Saturday
expressed sadness over the death of one of the last set of the nation’s
founding fathers, elder statesman, Alhaji Shettima Ali Monguno, who he
described as a detribalized Nigerian and worthy ambassador.
Saraki
in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Yusuph
Olaniyonu, in Abuja noted that the former Minister of Mines and
Petroleum in the First Republic would be sorely missed considering his
giant political strides and contributions to the building of the
Nigerian nation, starting from his birth place, Monguno, in Borno State
to all the nooks and crannies of the country.
He
described Monguno’s death as painful especially coming at a time when
the Federal Government has successfully turned the tide against
insurgents in the North East. The late politician was a victim of the
insurgency when he was abducted by gunmen at a mosque before he was
later rescued.
He commiserated with the Ali
Monguno family, Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State, the entire
people of Borno State as well as all associates of the late statesman
across the country over the unfortunate incident.
The
Senate President stated: “Elder Monguno was a special breed who
contributed immensely to the attainment of the nation’s Independence in
1960, became a parliamentarian in the First Republic and thereafter a
Federal Minister. His disposition towards effective nation building
remains unparalleled. He lived for the welfare and security of the
common man. His passion about a better and safer society was
exceptional. His steadfastness, commitment to the cause of one Nigeria
and optimistic spirit towards national development will continue to
inspire us both now and in the future.
“In his
quest to mould the country in line with his lofty vision, late Monguno
aspired to be President of Nigeria. Not minding that he did not realize
his dream to become President, he continued to play exemplary
leadership role as a philanthropist with special bias and support for
the education of underprivileged children, especially the girl child.
“No
doubt, late Monguno’s versatility and experience would have been of
immense value to the present resettlement and rehabilitation efforts in
his home state of Borno, the entire North East, as well as tackling the
socio-economic challenges confronting the country at this time,” he
said.
He urged the family of the deceased, the
government and people of Borno State, to be comforted by the fact that
Monguno served Allah and mankind diligently and worked hard to make his
country great. He said the deceased left a worthy legacy of selfless
service and a good name.
Saraki prayed that
Almighty Allah should grant the late leader a place among the righteous
ones in Aljannah Firdaus. “May Allah also grant members of his immediate
family, the people and government of Borno State, the fortitude to bear
this irreparable loss,” he added.
Signed:
Yusuph Olaniyonu
Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, to the Senate President
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