Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has expressed sadness over the death of an elder statesman, Paul Iorpuu Unongo, saying, “we have lost a pathfinder and leader of an inestimable value.”
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nathaniel Ikyur, Ortom said that the foremost nationalist was a father figure, who championed the emancipation of ordinary citizens, without ethnic or religious barriers.
The governor noted the leadership role of Unongo in the political evolution of Nigeria, pointing out that he was a mentor to many present-day leaders, who had great ideas for the socio-political and economic development of the country.
He said: “In Pa Unongo, our Iroko tree has fallen. He is one of the last icons of political leadership in Nigeria, whose contributions to the politics of the country, from post-independence till date, can not be quantified. Benue State has lost a leader and mentor. His death has created a vacuum that would be difficult to fill.
“We shall miss his intellect, great ideas, oratory prowess and immense capacity for mobilization and organization of the people.”
Also, Read; Buhari Mourns Unongo, says Nigeria has lost an elder statesman
Governor Ortom, however, expressed consolation that Pa Unongo’s legacies of patriotism, pan-Nigerian and philanthropy will endure.
He promised that Benue State will do the needful to immortalize Pa Unongo, for his selfless services, and contributions to the development of the state.
He prayed that God grants the deceased eternal rest, and the immediate family, the fortitude to bear the loss.
(Editor: Ifeanyi Mark)
