Some Lagos State lawmakers have described the late Interim President of Nigeria, Chief Ernest Shonekan, as a great man whose contributions to nation-building will not be forgotten.
Shonekan died in Lagos on Tuesday at the age of 85.
He succeeded Gen. Ibrahim Babangida to become the Interim Head of Nigerian Government from Aug. 26, 1993, to Nov. 17, 1993.
Shonekan was, however, ousted in a coup led by the late Gen. Sani Abacha, the Defence Minister in the interim administration.
Mr. Setonji David, Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Information, Publicity, Security and Strategy, said that Shonekan would not be forgotten in Nigeria’s history.
David, representing Badagry Constituency II, said: “Chief Shonekan was a man who had traversed the private sector of our economy.
“He got to pinnacle of one of the conglomerates of this country before he was appointed the Chairman of the interim government.
“It is unfortunate that we are losing him at this auspicious time of our country. May his gentle soul rest in peace.”
Mr. Segun Olulade, a former Member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, representing Epe Constituency II, told NAN that Shonekan played his role well in nation-building.
Olulade said: “He came and was able to play his role in the building of Nigeria and in private business.
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“He showed that he was a great man. The history of this country cannot be complete without him.”
The lawmaker said that Shonekan served the nation at the most critical period.
“When the military needed someone to stabilise the country after June 12 Presidential Election annulment, the military went for Shonekan. He played his role.
“I pray that God will grant him eternal rest as he will continue to be on the good side of history,” Olulade, a two-term member of the House, said.
Mr. Dipo Olorunrinu, who represented Amuwo-Odofin Constituency I in Lagos State Assembly, said that Shonekan would continue to be remembered for the role he played in stabilising the country.
The Interim National Government was constituted in August 1993 by the then Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, in the aftermath of the annulment of the June 12, 1993, Presidential Election and the resultant crises. (NAN)