The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has mourned the death of veteran journalist and former Minister of Information and Culture, Prince Tony Momoh.

Also  Mr Philip Shaibu, the Edo Deputy Governor,  described the late Prince Tony Momoh as a consummate politician and a master strategist whose impact in the nation’s development will not be forgotten.

Obaseki, in statement, celebrated the contributions of late Prince Momoh to the growth and development of Nigeria, describing him as a rare politician who spoke truth to power when it mattered the most.

“It is with a heavy heart that I received the news of the death of veteran journalist and former Minister of Information and Culture, Prince Tony Momoh.

‘Prince Momoh distinguished journalist, lawyer, publicist’

“Prince Momoh, though a great son of Edo State, was a total Nigerian. He was forthright, driven and spoke with candor. As a nationalist, he was unapologetic about the Nigerian project. His lasting legacy remains the enthronement of democratic values in Nigeria.

“A progressive and committed Nigerian, Prince Momoh’s wise counsel would be greatly missed especially as we navigate our current challenges as a nation.

“On behalf of the government and people of Edo State, I commiserate with his family, friends and associates and wish that God grants them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” Obaseki noted.

Shuaibu  in a statement signed by his media aide, Mr Benjamin Atu, in Benin late Monday said that the late Momoh, a member of his immediate constituency, was a leading light who charted the course of peace, unity and politics without bitterness.

He said the late Momoh consistently maintained his carriage as an elder statesman in the Nigerian political scene.

Shuaibu described him a doyen of mass communication and one of the last living legends of the journalism profession in Nigeria.

“The entire Afemai community has lost a father, mentor and brother,’’ he said.

The deputy governor described Momoh’s death as “a monumental and an irreplaceable loss’’.

Prince Momoh was a veteran journalist, lawyer, politician and former Minister of Information and Culture (1986–1990) during the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida.

He was Chairman of the African Conference of Information Ministers from 1988 to 1990.

He was educated at Government School, Auchi; Teacher Training College, Abraka; the University of Nigeria, Nsukka; the University of Lagos, and the Nigerian Law school.