President Muhammadu Buhari, has sent his condolence message to Nigerians over the demise of the elder statesman, Chief Ernest Shonekan, saying he “saved the ship of state from sinking”.
Buhari, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said he received the news with profound sadness.
According to the statement: “As an internationally-respected statesman, President Buhari affirms that, 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.
“The President notes that Chief Shonekan demonstrated to all that the love for country and commitment to her development, peace, and unity transcends the trappings of office and the transient nature of political power.
“President Buhari believes that Nigeria owes a great debt to Chief Shonekan, the peacemaker, who even at the twilight of his lifetime never stopped believing and working for a prosperous and democratic country.
“The President prays that the memory of the departed Head of Government will remain a blessing to Nigeria even as he finds perfect peace with Almighty God.”
