Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday arrived Borno State to condole with the family and the people of Borno over the death of Alh. (Dr). Shettima Ali Monguno, Nigeria’s first Minister of Petroleum, who died on July 8 at the age of 95.
After receiving the former President and his entourage at the Maiduguri International Airport, the state governor, Kashim Shettima led them to the Shehu’s palace and then to deceased’s family resident where he condoled with them. Obasanjo described the deceased who was his former colleague as epitome of gentility.
“There are those we call founding father of Nigeria at independence, Shettima Ali Monguno is one of them so from the truthful point of view, we have lost one of the architect of Nigeria at independence. We lost a great citizen not only of this state but of Nigeria” Obasanjo stated.
“I had the opportunity to serve with him in the administration of Yakubu Gowon. He was a complete gentle man. An epitome of gentility in all the ramification of the word. He was a lover of Nigeria because any issue that is of national interest you will found Shettima clinging solidly to it” Obasanjo added.
“He was neither parochial nor napotic. Our consolation is that he leaved his life for his family, his people and his country and our prayer is may his gentle soul be with Allah” Obasanjo further added.
