The Senate on Tuesday urged the Federal Government to immortalise the former Head of Interim National Government of Nigeria, Chief Ernest Shonekan who died on Jan.11 at the age of 85.
The Senate’s resolution followed the adoption of a motion on the death of Shonekan sponsored by the Senate Leader, Senator Abdullahi Yahaya (APC- Kebbi).
Senator Yahaya, while presenting his motion noted with grief the demise of Shonekan on January 11 at the age of 85.
He said Chief Shonekan, an indigene of Ogun State, was a British trained lawyer, consummate administrator, renowned industrialist, a seasoned businessman and politician.
He said Shonekan served as the Head of Interim National Government of Nigeria from August 26th 1993 to November 17, 1993.
He noted that three months into his administration, Shonekan was overthrown in a palace coup by late Gen. Sani Abacha on November 17, 1993.
He stressed that although Shonakan served briefly, his contributions to national development, unity, cohesion and stability were worthy of note in the annals of Nigeria.
Senator Yahaya said in 1994, Shonekan founded the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, (NESG)an advocacy group and think-tank for private sector-led development of the Nigerian economy.
According to Senator Yahaya, Shonekan thereafter featured prominently as a cherished Leader and a respected Elder Statesman, who epitomised service to humanity and the nation.
He also described Shonekan as a selfless Nigerian, who dedicated his life to the growth and stability of Nigeria as evidenced in his public and private life.
The President of Senate, Dr Ahmad Lawan, while paying tribute to Shonekan, said the late elder statesman was a symbol of unity who unified the nation during his short time as Head of Interim National Government.
Lawan said the nation needed more of his kind to further make Nigeria better.
Other Senators, who paid glowing tribute to Shonekan at the senate plenary included:
Senator Philip Aduda (PDP-FCT), Senator Tolu Odubuyi(APC-Ogun),Senator Emmanuel Bwacha (PDP-Taraba), Senator Kabiru Gaya (APC-Kano) and Senator Barau Jibril (APC-Kano).
Others are Senator Biodun Olujimi (PDP-Ekiti) Senator Oluremi Tinubu (APC-Lagos) Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah (APC- Kebbi).
The Senate also observed one-minute silence in honour of late Shonekan.
The Senate also resolved to send a delegation to condole with the Shonekan family, the Government and people of Ogun State.
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