President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered all flags to be flown at half-mast from Wednesday 12th to Friday 14th January in honour of the passing away of Nigeria’s former Interim leader, Ernest Shonekan who passed away on Monday.
The President disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday evening.
He also stated that Shonekan demonstrated to all that the love for country and commitment to her development, peace and unity transcend the trappings of office and the transient nature of political power.
What the President said
President Buhari stated that he received the news of the death of a great statesman and former Head of the Interim National Government with profound sadness.
“I have directed that the National Flag be flown at half-mast, effective from Wednesday 12th to Friday 14th January, 2022, as a mark of respect for the departed former Head of the Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan, GCFR.
“On behalf of the Federal Government, I extend my deepest condolences to Chief Shonekan’s wife, Margaret, his loved ones, and the government and people of Ogun State.
“With courageous wisdom, Chief Shonekan left his flourishing business career to become the Head of Government, at a delicate time when the country needed someone of his calm mien and pedigree to save the ship of state from sinking,” Buhari said.
He added that Nigeria owes a great debt to Shonekan, stating that he was a peacemaker who worked towards ensuring Nigeria remains a democratic nation.
What you should know
Nairametrics reported earlier that Chief Ernest Adegunle Oladeinde Shonekan, GCFR, died at the age of 85 on Tuesday morning. Shonekan served as Nigeria’s Interim Head of State from 26 August 1993 to 17 November 1993.