Buhari, Gbajabiamila, Sanwo-Olu, Afenifere, mourn former Lagos Administrator, Ndubuisi Kanu
By Ayo Fadimu
Eminent Nigerians including President Muhammadu Buhari, Speaker House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the pan Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere among others have poured tribute to the late exmilitary Administrator of Lagos State Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (rtd).
Kanu, a retired Naval Officer and former Military Governor of Imo State between 1976 and 1977, died at a hospital in Lagos on Wednesday morning at the age of 77 years after a brief illness.
He was also the Chairman of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO).
The president, in a condolence message by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Wednesday condoled with professional colleagues of the gallant military officer.
He noted that late Kanu distinguished himself in all positions and responsibilities during service, taking up more daunting, but historically rewarding challenges like speaking up for the weak and vulnerable, and the struggle for the country’s return to democratic government.
According to him, Kanu’s credentials in serving the nation as a career military officer and as an activist with NADECO in actualising the June 12, 1993 mandate, remains commendable and will continue to inspire younger generations on patriotism.
The president prayed for the repose of the soul of the elder statesman
Similarly, Gbajabiamila also expressed his grief in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Lanre Lasisi, on Wednesday in Abuja.
Gbajabiamila said that the late Kanu, who passed on at the age of 77, would be remembered for his commitment to the development of Lagos State and the other states he governed.
According to him, Kanu will also be remembered as a patriotic Nigerian who played a role in the making of Lagos State.
In his message, Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a condolence message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Gboyega Akosile, described the late Kanu as a complete gentleman and officer.
He said that the former military administrator contributed immensely to the development of Lagos State during his short tenure of office.
The governor praised the late Rear Admiral Kanu’s contribution to the country’s democracy, especially his fight, alongside the progressives in the country during the dark days of the military junta for the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria.
Sanwo-Olu said that the nation would miss the rich experience and knowledge of the late Naval officer and democrat.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Lagos State, I want to express my sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and comrades of late Ndubuisi Kanu, as well as the Nigerian Navy, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the country in general.
“As one of Nigeria’s advocates of good governance, restructuring and true federalism, the late Ndubusi Kanu will be sorely missed by the people.”
“The death of Rear Admiral Kanu is a colossal loss to the country. He made lots of positive impact and contributions during his lifetime to the growth and development of Lagos State and Nigeria.
“He fought, along with several other patriots tirelessly for a united Nigeria during his days in the Nigerian Navy, as well as a member of pro-democracy group after he retired from service.
“He wrote his name in gold as a tireless fighter and an advocate of democratic government,” the governor said.
Afenifere, on Wednesday described the death of the NADECO chieftain as a huge loss to Nigeria.
In an interview with our Correspondent, the National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Mr Yinka Odumakin, said: “It was a very painful death.
“We have lost a very ebullient, vibrant and progressive someone.
“There is nothing we can do than to accept the will of God.
“He has lived a fulfilled life and dedicated his life to good causes for which we shall always remember him. May his soul rest in peace and may God protect all that he left behind.”
It would be recalled that Kanu was appointed into the Supreme Military Council in 1975.
Retired Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo dissolved the council when he became the Head of State in 1976.
Kanu fought on the Biafran side during the civil war but was reabsorbed into the Nigerian military at the end of the war in 1970.
As a naval chief, who occupied many command and political offices as part of his military postings, Kanu civilianised himself when he retired from service.
He was a member of the pro-democracy group, National Democratic Coalition, which fought for the re-validation of the annulled June 12, 1993 Presidential Election.
