More condolences are being extended to the family of the late former Minister of Steel Development Dr. Paul Unongo who died on Tuesday at age 87..
In a statement to mourn the death of the Second Republic politician, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), said the death of the former Deputy Chairman of the Northern Elders’ Forum was a big loss not just to his family, Benue but Nigeria as a whole.
ACF’s Secretary General, Malam Murtala Aliyu, in a statement in Kaduna on Wednesday.described the late Unongo as “a patriotic Nigerian…a person who dedicated his entire life to (the) service (of) his people and humanity”
“The Arewa Consultative Forum wishes to commiserate the demise of its member and the deputy chairman of the Northern Elders’ Forum, elder statesman Wantaregh Paul Unongo OFR, with the family, the entire people of Benue State, the North and the country at large.
In his own condolence message, Rep Francis Ottah Agbo (benue PDP), has commiserated with the government and people of Benue State over the demise of a Second Republic Minister and elder statesman, Wantaregh Paul Unongo.
Dr. Ottah Agbo who represents Ado/Ogbadibo/Okpokwu Federal Constituency, in a statement by his Media Adviser, Mr. Andrew Agbese, described Wantaregh Unongo as a quintessential family man, a sagacious and patriotic leader who believed in justice and fairness to all irrespective of tribe, religion and social status.
He described the death of Unongo as a tragedy of enormous proportion to Nigeria, especially the community of progressives.
“Though Wantaregh Paul Unongo died at a ripe age, he transmogrified to the other divide at a period this country, especially the political elites would need his wise counsel.
“A quintessential family man and friend of the downtrodden, Wantaregh has been at the forefront of the fight against the suppression of ethnic minorities in the Middle Belt and had worked closely with the champion of Middle Belt politics, Senator Joseph Tarka to give a befitting identity to our people.
“Here was a man who stood for justice and fairness and despite being from the majority ethnic group in Benue State, openly supported and agitated for the rotation of the governorship seat to Zone ‘C.’
“I pray God grants his soul eternal rest and the family the strength to bear the loss.”
