Tinubu, Obasanjo, Abbas eulogise late Unongo

President Bola Tinubu has described Second Republic cabinet minister, Wantaregh Paul Iyorpuu Unongo, as “a foremost statesman and a rare public servant who served the nation with distinction.”

He eulogised Unongo during his burial at Kendev, Kwande Local Council of Benue State, at the weekend.

Represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, the President said Unongo’s vision and foresight were instrumental in the “fulfilment of ideas and values that not only shaped his life, but gave birth to many milestone successes this nation has recorded.”

In a letter addressed to the deceased’s eldest son, Jude, Tinubu stated that Unongo’s ‘demise is a great national loss, and I send my condolences to his family, the people of Benue State, and all Nigerians, who looked to him for guidance, mentorship and inspiration.”

In the same vein, the Speaker, House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, who was represented by the member representing Kwande /Ushongu Federal Constituency, Terseer Ugbor, said the late Unongo “was a great industrialist, politician, philanthropist and community leader, who served his family, community and country in his lifetime, and left a legacy of service.”

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo equally eulogised the departed during a condolence visit to the government and people of Benue State where he was received by the deputy governor, Sam Ode and former Nigerian Ambassador to Russia, Prof. Steve Ugba, a nephew and an adopted son of the late elder statesman.

Unongo was member of the Constituent Assembly, Minister of Mines and Power (later changed to Steel Development) during the Shehu Shagari’s administration, and erstwhile chairman of the Northern Elders Forum.