By VICTOR NWACHUKWU

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has commiserated with the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) on the death of its former leader and second republic minister of the federation, Chief Paul Unongo.

This is contained in a release signed by the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mr Alex Ogbonnia and made available to newsmen in Owerri on Thursday.

Ogbonnia described Unongo as a foremost patriot, astute administrator, bridge builder, moral edifice, elder statesman, courageous, and sagacious politician.

He further described him as an apostle of excellence, a social crusader and political activist with firm belief in Nigeria’s nationhood as evidenced by his donation of six shillings in support of the Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe-led Zikist movement in 1946.

“Unongo was an embodiment of restructuring Nigeria for effective and efficient service delivery who, whileremaining culturally and emotionally attached to his native Tiv ethnic,never lost his Northern orientation and the need for sustainable relationship with the other parts of the country based on equity, justice and fairness.

“The dispositions, mutual tolerance, elderly moderations of the Unongo quintessence in the NEF have no doubt added profound values to the Nigerian democratic dispensation.

“One is left to guess the feelings of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo that Unongo has departed at a critical point when his wise counsel is most needed.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo led by Prof. George Obiozor and indeed the entire Ndigbo (Igbo people), send our condolences to the immediate Unongo family; the Governor of Benue, Samuel Ortom, the good people of Benue.

“We also send our condolences to the Paramount Ruler of the Tiv Nation, Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse; Prof. Ango Abdullahi and the Northern Elders Forum; and indeed the community of Nigerian patriots.

“It is our prayers that the Almighty will grant his soul an eternal rest in his bosom,” he said. (NAN)