ACF, NEF, Northern govs mourn Unongo

Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Northern Elders Forum (NEF) and governors of the 19 Northern states are mourning elder statesman, Chief Paul Unongo, who died on Tuesday, November 29, 2022, at the age of 87.

The National Secretary, Murtala Aliyu, stated, yesterday: “We mourn our member and the Deputy Chairman of NEF, Paul Unongo, and commiserate with the family, the entire people of Benue State, the North and the country at large.”
Born on September 26, 1935, Unongo belongs to the Kwaghngise-Anure-Abe ancestry in Turan, Kwande Council of Benue State.
NEF, also, described the death of Unongo as a huge loss to the North and Nigeria at large.
In a statement, yesterday, the Convener of NEF, Prof. Ango Abdullahi, prayed God to reward him for his services to humanity.
The statement reads: “Paul Unongo’s life was a study in patriotism and activism. He was at the vanguard of the Zikist Movement and faced pre-Independence and post-Independence challenges and opportunities with distinction, shaped by a searing intelligence and rare character.
“He served the country in many capacities as the Minister of Iron and Steel as well as Chairman of Nigeria Peoples Party (NPP) in the Second Republic. He was a founding member of NEF, whose loyalty and commitment to his and other Northern communities have remained a reference point.”
Mourning the elder statesman, the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) said the late Unongo was an achiever, who served Nigeria with passion and patriotism.
Chairman of the forum, Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State, described the deceased as a thoroughbred intellectual and notable politician, who played a great role in the democratic journey of Nigeria and would be remembered as one who stood for justice.

In a statement, yesterday, by his Director of Press and Public Affairs Dr. Makut Macham, the governor said as Minister of Steel Development in the Second Republic and pioneer Secretary General of the Nigerian Peoples Party (NPP), Unongo demonstrated capacity and ability to work with Nigerians from all walks of life and different parts of the country towards building a greater nation.
While commiserating with the bereaved family, government and people of Benue, the forum prayed God to grant Unongo’s soul eternal rest.
In a separate message, Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, extended his sympathy to the Unongo Kwanghise/Ugbah families, the government and the people of Benue.
Bello, in a condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary, Onogwu Muhammed, described the late Unongo as a fantastic experimental psychologist, political colossus and complete statesman, saying he would be sorely missed.
The governor said the deceased contributed immensely to the unity and development of the country as a leader, who dedicated his entire life to the service of his people and God.
He sympathised with the family and relations of the late political icon.