Image:Vanguard
Nigeria's Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday, observed a minute of silence to honor the Second Republic Minister of Power and Steel, Dr. Paul Unongo, who passed on Tuesday at the age of 87.
Secretary to the Government of the
Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, announced Unongo's passing just before the FEC meeting began at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja, and called for a minute of silence in his honor.
The Federal Executive Council meeting was presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The Northern Governors’ Forum
Also reacting, the Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Lalong described the late Paul Unongo as an achiever who served Nigeria with passion and patriotism.
Governor Lalong said that Unongo will be remembered as one who stood for justice, equity, and fairness.
Lalong said that as a second Republic Minister for Steel Development and the pioneer Secretary General of the Nigerian People’s Party (NPP), Unongo showed his capacity to work with Nigerians from various regions and all walks of life toward building a greater country.
As the convener and former chairman of the Northern Elders Forum, Unongo steered the group to focus especially on issues of development of the region and the country, a position that drew attention and support in the areas of peace and security, agriculture, education, health and infrastructure among others for the people of the Northern region, the governor noted.
According to Governor Lalong, Unongo was very vocal on national issues and proffered solutions to resolving them.
Unongo was born on September 26, 1935, in Turan, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue state. He was the pioneer Secretary General of the defunct Nigerian People’s Party, NPP, and the convener and former chairman of the Northern Elders Forum, NEF.
Until his death, Paul Unongo was the chairman of the Governing Board of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council, NERDC.
Politics and Opinion
Comments