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.
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