Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has expressed deep pains over the death of an elder statesman Dr Paul Unongo, saying “we have lost a pathfinder and leader of an inestimable value.”
Unongo, a former Minister of Power and Steel in the Second Republic, died at 87 in Jos, Plateau State on Tuesday
Ortom’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Nathaniel Ikyur on Wednesday in Makurdi quoted his principal in a statement, describing Unongo him as a father figure who led the emancipation of the ordinary citizens without ethnic or religious barriers.
“The leadership role Unongo played in the political evolution of Nigeria cannot be forgotten in a hurry.
“He was a mentor to many leaders of today who have great ideas for the socio-political and economic development of the country.
Ortom said Benue’s Iroko tree and one of the last icons of political leadership in Nigeria has fallen, adding that Unongo’s contributions to the politics of the country from post-independence till date cannot be quantified.
“Indeed the state has lost a leader and mentor. His death has created a vacuum that will be difficult to refill.
“We shall miss his intellect, great ideas, oratory prowess and immense capacity for mobilisation and organisation of the people.
“I am consoled that Unongo’s legacies of patriotism, pan Nigerian and philanthropy will endure.
“The state will do the needful to immortalise Unongo for his selfless services and contributions to the development of the state,”Ortom said.
He prayed to God to grant the deceased eternal rest and the immediate family the fortitude to bear the loss.
Unongo too from over Maitama Sule as the chairman of the Northern Elders’ Forum. In 2017.
