By David Lawani, Abuja
The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), Sen. John James Akpanudoedehe has expressed sadness over the death of Chief Ernest Shonekan, leader of the Interim National Government (ING) set up after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election.
In a condolence message issued on Wednesday, Akpanudoedehe noted that the late Shonekan’s credentials as a committed nationalist “inspired his choice as a worthy intermediary to serve to douse the tension at the time, when Nigeria was at crossroads, and almost on the brink of conflict.”
“I received with a deep sense of sadness, news of the passing of a one-time Head of the Nigerian Interim National Government (ING); the Abese of Egbaland; and my late father’s colleague, H.E. Chief (Dr.) Ernest Shonekan, GCFR, CBE.
“Late Chief Shonekan who passed on at 85, was Head of the Nigerian government that succeeded General Ibrahim Babangida’s regime on August 26, 1993, but was ousted by the regime of late General Sani Abacha, on November 17, 1993.
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“He was a University of London trained-Nigerian lawyer, and Harvard Business School graduate, whose political career was preceded by a long and illustrious business career in United African Company (UAC) of Nigeria.
“He retired as Chairman/MD of the company, having risen through the ranks from Assistant Legal Adviser through Deputy Legal Adviser; to becoming a Member of the Board of Directors, before heading the company.
Chief Shonekan also headed the Board of Pamol Nig. Ltd., Calabar, Cross River State (the largest rubber estate in Nigeria), where my late father, (Hon. James Udoedehe) served alongside him, on the company’s Board, for twelve years.
“I recall with nostalgia my father’s views about late Chief Shonekan’s broad-mindedness, candid views, and wealth of international business and political connections.
“I also recall talk of his passion for the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, which he founded as an Advocacy Group and Think-tank for private sector led-development of Nigeria’s economy.
“These credentials must have inspired his choice as a worthy intermediary to serve to douse the tension at the time, when Nigeria was at crossroads, and almost on the brink of conflict.
“Nigeria, and indeed, Africa, have lost a great elder statesman in Chief Ernest Shonekan; and his family have lost a great father-figure, patriarch, and role model.
“I pray God comforts his bereaved family; as well as Nigerians in general, over this great loss; and also pray for the peaceful repose of the soul of late Chief Ernest Adegunle Oladeinde Shonekan.”
