Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed unhappiness over the deaths of Afenifere chief, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, and former Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan.
Obasanjo, in an announcement issued on Tuesday by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, described the late Fasoranti as one of many final remaining titans of a era that laid the inspiration for contemporary Nigeria.
He stated Fasoranti anchored public service on character, sacrifice and integrity, describing his life as a masterclass in purposeful longevity and management with out blemish.
“Baba’s departure marks the end of an extraordinary era. As an educationist, Baba understood early on that building a nation required building its people,” Obasanjo stated.
He recalled Fasoranti’s function as a principal in historic establishments and as Commissioner for Finance within the outdated Ondo State underneath the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), which he stated remained a reference level for fiscal self-discipline and transparency.
Obasanjo stated Fasoranti served as a unifying anchor for Afenifere throughout a interval of fragmentation, stood in opposition to navy dictatorship and remained a voice for true federalism, justice and fairness.
“On a personal note, I will always remember Baba’s warmth and his open-door policy. Even when we found ourselves on different sides of political debates, our mutual respect never waned,” he added.
On Uduaghan, Obasanjo stated Nigeria had lost a high quality gentleman, a devoted medical skilled and a consummate statesman.
He recalled working intently with Uduaghan when he served as Commissioner for Health and later as Secretary to the State Government underneath former Delta State Governor James Ibori.
“I fondly remember my close interactions with Emmanuel during my tenure as president. Even during those turbulent political eras and intense regional agitations in the Niger Delta, Emmanuel stood out as a brilliant administrator and a calm voice of reason,” Obasanjo stated.
He stated Uduaghan’s administrative acumen and dedication to peace and progress in Delta State ready him for management when he turned governor in 2007.
