Presidential hopeful and convener of the New Nigeria Group (NNG), Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, has described the death of fellow boardroom titan, Chief Ernest Shonekan, as a big loss to Nigeria.
Shonekan was on August 26, 1993, appointed Head of the Interim National Government (ING) by former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, a position he held until November 17, 1993, when self-styled Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha eased out the ING.
Ohuabunwa, himself an erstwhile boardroom guru, is a frontrunner for the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), regretted that Shonekan took a bow when the country needs his wealth of experience.
He described the late Shonekan as a rare breed who distinguished himself in the corporate world, having piloted the affairs of UAC Plc, one of the leading conglomerates in the world.
Ohuabunwa further noted that the Shonekan used the platform of UAC to position Nigeria in the corporate world, revealing that under his tutelage, several corporate czars emerged in Nigeria.
Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa
While condoling with the bereaved family, Ohuabunwa however acknowledged that Shonekan contributed to the corporate stability of the country, for which he would be remembered in the annals of Nigeria’s journey to nationhood.
He further noted that the late elder statesman discharged all national assignments with forthrightness and a deep sense of patriotism.
Ohuabunwa enjoined the family to bear the loss of their patriarch with equanimity, and prayed the God to accept the soul of the departed.