Ernest Shonekan: Buhari, Saraki Pen Heartfelt Tributes

Abiola Olawale
Writer

Ad

How Much Mercury is in the Fish You Eat?

Low-mercury seafood options include scallops, clams, shrimp, and salmon, all with less than 0.02 ppm. Top predators like swordfish, shark, and Gulf of Mexico tilefish have the highest mercury levels, some over 1.0 ppm. Experts recommend eating high-mercury fish no more than 3 times a month, or avoiding them entirely. Mercury in fish is a…

[FULL LIST] Presidency Unveils Names of Beneficiaries of Tinubu’s Presidential Pardon

By Abiola Olawale The Nigerian Presidency has officially unveiled the names of 175 beneficiaries granted clemency under President Bola Tinubu's presidential prerogative of mercy. The announcement, ratified by the Council of State on October 9, 2025, includes posthumous pardons for iconic figures like Herbert Macaulay and Major-General Mamman Vatsa, alongside living convicts such as former…

Arise TV Anchor Somtochukwu Maduagwu’s Burial Date Announced

By Abiola Olawale The family of Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a 29-year-old Arise News anchor, reporter, and producer, has unveiled a schedule for her funeral rites, culminating in her burial on Saturday, October 18, 2025. Known affectionately as "Sommie," Maduagwu's tragic death during an armed robbery in Abuja has sparked widespread grief, tributes, and renewed demands…

Ad

President Muhammadu Buhari and former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki have expressed their heartfelt condolence over the passage of former Head of the Interim National Government (ING) of Nigeria, Chief Ernest Shonekan.

Buhari, in a condolence message issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, described the demise of Shonekan as a great loss to the country.

Earlier, the New Diplomat had reported that Shonekan who headed the interim Government that succeeded the military regime led by General Ibrahim Babangida passed away at Evercare hospital, in the Lekki area of Lagos state in the early hours of Tuesday.

Reacting, the President labelled Shonekan as patriotic citizen who left his ‘flourishing business’ to become the Head of Government, in other to save the ship of Nigeria from sinking.

Buhari also expressed his commiseration to the widow of the former Head of States, Mrs. Margaret Shonekan, the Shonekan family, the people and Government of Ogun State and Nigeria at large, saying his memory would continue to remain with Nigerians.

The statement reads, “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.”

Also, Former Senate President in his heartfelt condolence described Shonekan as a prominent politician who  always demonstrated strong commitment to the unity, peace, and prosperity of Nigeria.

Saraki who took to his official twitter page prayed to God to grant the family of the deceased and Nigeria at large the fortitude to bear the loss.

He tweeted, “In both his public and private capacities, our 9th Head of State, Chief Ernest Shonekan, played a remarkable role in the development of Nigeria. Through his actions, he always demonstrated a strong commitment to the unity, peace, and prosperity of our great country.

“Today, as we join his family, well-wishers, and all Nigerians to mourn the passing of this great statesman, it is my prayer that Almighty God gives the entire nation and his loved ones the courage, strength, and fortitude to bear this monumental loss.”

Ad

Unlocking Opportunities in the Gulf of Guinea during UNGA80
X whatsapp