A former boardroom titan and later Head of the Interim National Government (ING), Chief Ernest Shonekan, is dead. He was aged 85.
He died in Lagos in the early hours of Tuesday, January 11.
Shonekan was a boardroom chieftain before he was selected to head the Interim National Government of Nigeria between August 26 and November 17, 1993 after the exit of the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida, which came on the heels of the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
The Interim National Government was later sacked by the regime of another military Head of State, General Sani Abacha.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over the death of Chief Shonekan, saying the deceased displayed real sense of patriotism.
The President, who also conveyed his commiseration to the widow, Mrs. Margaret Shonekan, the Shonekan family, the people and Government of Ogun State, said his memory would continue to remain with Nigerians.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, the President recalled the sacrifices of Shonekan in his lifetime, including leaving his personal business career to take up the role of Head of the ING in the interest of Nigeria.
“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 life time 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,” the statement reads.