GOVERNOR Samuel Ortom of Benue State has expressed deep pains over the death of elder statesman, Paul Iorpuu Unongo, saying “we have lost a pathfinder and leader of an inestimable value.”
Governor Ortom stated this in a press release signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Nathaniel Ikyur on Wednesday.
Lamenting over the death of Unongo, who died on Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at the age of 87, Ortom stated that the foremost nationalist was a father-figure who championed the emancipation of the ordinary citizens without ethnic or religious barriers.
The governor noted the leadership role of Pa Unongo in the political evolution of Nigeria pointing out that he was a mentor to many present-day leaders who had great ideas for the socio-political and economic development of the country.
He said: “In Pa Unongo, our Iroko tree has fallen. He is one of the last icons of political leadership in Nigeria whose contributions to the politics of the country from post-independence till date cannot be quantified. Benue State has lost a leader and mentor. His death has created a vacuum that would be difficult to fill.
“We shall miss his intellect, great ideas, oratory prowess and immense capacity for mobilization and organization of the people.”
Governor Ortom however expressed consolation that Pa Unongo’s legacies of patriotism, pan Nigerian and philanthropy will endure.
He promised that Benue State will do the needful to immortalize Pa Unongo for his selfless services and contributions to the development of the state.
He prayed that God grants the deceased eternal rest and the immediate family the fortitude to bear the loss.
