Tributes as First Republic Minister, Ali Monguno, is Laid to Rest
Tributes poured in at the weekend for the former Minister of Petroleum and elder statesman, Shettima Ali Monguno, who died Friday night and was laid to rest yesterday. Monguno died at the age of 90 in Maiduguri, his hometown, in Borno State.
The prayer for the repose of his soul was held at the Shehu of Borno Palace and was led by the Chief Imam of Borno, Imam Laisu Ibrahim Ahmed.
In attendance at the burial were Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima, Shehu of Borno and other traditional rulers from within and outside the state, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, and other prominent citizens. Also, a federal government delegation led by the National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno (rtd), graced the occasion. Members of the delegation included the Minister of Edu- cation, Malam Adamu Adamu; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mohammed Musa Bello; and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu.
Leading a host of politicians and public office holders to pay tribute to the First Republic minister was President Muhammadu Buhari. The others, who gave their heartfelt eulogy, included the Senate President Bukola Saraki, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, former Vice President and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Atiku Abubakar and Governor Shettima.
Buhari described the late Monguno as "one of the finest statesmen and political actors Nigeria ever had and who would always remain fountains of inspiration in life and death."
In a condolence statement issued on his behalf by the federal government delegation led by the NSA, Buhari said the late elder statesman from Borno State ranked among the most respected public figures in Nigeria
while in office and while in private retirement life.
The president recalled that in the course of his public service as a parliamentarian and Federal Minister of Air Force and Internal Affairs during the First Republic, the late Monguno "had left behind a legacy of untainted and unblemished career", which should be emulated by Nige- rian leaders at all levels.
He said: "A man's greatest pride is to leave behind a good name and that the late Monguno had achieved that desire."
Buhari, who said it would take volumes to narrate Monguno's sterling virtues, extended his condolences to the family, the government and the people of Borno State over the passing of the elder statesman.
The president prayed the Almighty God to grant the soul of the deceased eternal rest.
The federal government delegation was received at the funeral by the Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima and the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Shehu Abubakar ibn Garbai al-Amin al-Kanemi, both of whom described the presidential gesture as a consolation and a source of inspiration. The bereaved family expressed their appreciation for the presidential delegation.
Also, Saraki, who said he was saddened by the death of Monguno, one of the last set of the nation's founding fathers and elder statesman, described him as a detribalised Nigerian and worthy ambassador.
Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja, noted that the late former minister of Mines and Petroleum in the First Republic would be sorely missed in view of his giant political strides and contributions to the building of the Nigerian nation, starting from his birth place, Monguno, in Borno State to every nook and cranny of the country.
He described Monguno's death as painful, especially coming at a time when the federal government had successfully turned the tide against insurgents in the North-east, recalling that the late politician was a victim of the insurgency when he was abducted by gunmen at a mosque before he was later rescued.
He commiserated with the Monguno family, Governor Shettima, the entire people of Borno State as well as all associates of the late statesman across the country over the unfortunate incident.
According to him, "Elder Monguno was a special breed who contributed immensely to the attainment of the nation's Independence in 1960, became a parliamentarian in the First Republic and thereafter a federal minister. His disposition towards effective nation building remains unparalleled. He lived for the welfare and security of the common man. His passion about a better and safer society was exceptional. His steadfastness, commitment to the cause of one Nigeria and optimistic spirit towards national development will continue to inspire us both now and in the future.
"In his quest to mould the country in line with his lofty vision, late Monguno aspired to be President of Nigeria. Not minding that he did not realise his dream to become President, he continued to play exemplary leadership role as a philanthropist with special bias and support for the education of underprivileged children, especially the girl child.
"No doubt, late Monguno's versatility and experience would have been of immense value to the present resettlement and rehabilitation efforts in his home state of Borno, the entire North-east, as well as tackling the socio-economic challenges confronting the country at this time."
He urged the family of the deceased, the government and people of Borno State, "to be comforted by the fact that Monguno served Allah and mankind diligently" and worked hard to make his country great. He added that the deceased left a worthy legacy of selfless service and a good name.
Saraki prayed, "Almighty Allah should grant the late leader a place among the righteous ones in Aljannah Firdaus," adding: "May Allah also grant members of his immediate family, the people and government of Borno State, the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss."