Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed sadness over the deaths of Chief Reuben Fasoranti, former Afenifere leader, and Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, former Delta governor.
Obasanjo described Fasoranti as one of the last surviving titans of a generation that laid the foundation for modern Nigeria through selfless service, sacrifice and unwavering integrity.
He said this in a statement on Tuesday in Abeokuta by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi.
According to Obasanjo, Fasoranti’s life exemplified purposeful leadership, integrity and an unwavering commitment to the progress of the Yoruba nation and Nigeria.
The former president described the late elder statesman’s death as the end of an extraordinary era, recalling his contributions to education and nation-building.
Obasanjo said Fasoranti had served as a school principal in several historic institutions, moulding minds, instilling discipline and building character before venturing into politics.
He also recalled Fasoranti’s tenure as Commissioner for Finance in the old Ondo State under the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) administration.
According to him, the late Afenifere leader’s record in office remains a reference point for fiscal discipline, transparency and accountability.
Obasanjo said Fasoranti provided unifying leadership when he assumed the leadership of Afenifere amid internal divisions and national uncertainty.
He added that the late elder statesman consistently opposed military dictatorship and advocated true federalism, justice and equity despite threats to his life.
“When the mantle of leading Afenifere fell upon him during a period of fragmentation and national uncertainty, Baba did not falter.
“He stepped up as a unifying anchor. He led with a calm and resolute authority that derived its strength not from loud proclamations, but from the immense moral weight of his convictions.
“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 said.
On Uduaghan, Obasanjo described his death as a painful loss to Nigeria, saying the country had lost a gentleman, dedicated medical professional, and an accomplished statesman.
He recalled working with Uduaghan during his presidency when the latter served under former Delta governor, James Ibori, as Commissioner for Health and later Secretary to the State Government.
Obasanjo said Uduaghan distinguished himself as a brilliant administrator and a calm voice of reason during periods of political turbulence and heightened agitation in the Niger Delta.
He added that their interactions on healthcare policies and federal-state relations demonstrated Uduaghan’s administrative competence and commitment to Delta State’s peace and development.
Obasanjo said these qualities prepared Uduaghan for the responsibilities of leadership when he became governor of Delta State in 2007. (NAN)
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