President Goodluck Jonathan and Northern Governors’ Forum have expressed shock at news of the death of Major General Mamman Tsoho Kontagora (rtd) who until his death was the deputy chairman Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P).
Presidential Spokesman,Reuben Abati said Jonathan received with shock and immense sadness news of the death of Major-General Kontagora (rtd.) .“On behalf of himself, the Federal Government and all Nigerians, President Jonathan extends sincere condolences to the late General’s family, the Kontagora Emirate Council, Governor Babangida Aliyu and all the people of Niger State”Abati said .
He added that “The President joins them in mourning the illustrious and indefatigable former Minister of Works and the Federal Capital Territory who, even in retirement, continued to serve his fatherland with zeal, vigour and enthusiasm whenever he was called upon to do so.”
Jonathan said that the nation will always honour the memory of the late Army Engineer for having served Nigeria with commendable patriotism and distinction during an excellent career in the Armed Forces and in various other capacities in the public service including Federal Minister, Sole Administrator of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and
Chairman of the Presidential Committee on the Development of National Stadia for the World Youth Soccer Championship in 1995.He prayed that God Almighty will grant General Kontagora’s soul eternal rest.
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Meanwhile, a delegation led by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Mohammed is to represent President Jonathan at General Kontagora’s interment. The delegation will also include the Minister of State for Power, Mrs. Zainab Ibrahim Kuchi and the Chairman of Sure-P, Dr. Christopher Kolade.
Also in a statement,the Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) has expressed shock and sadness at the death of Kontagora (Rtd), describing it as a monumental loss to Niger State in particular and the nation in general.
Forum Chairman and Governor of Niger State, Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu expressed the forum’s condolence in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Danladi Ndayebo.
The forum described the late General Kontagora as a patriot who died in the service of his fatherland.
The Governors said they were pained by the demise of Gen Kontagora, but takes solace in the fact that he lived an exemplary and purposeful life with remarkable achievements as a military officer, administrator, community leader and a dedicated family man.
Governor Aliyu said the late former Minister of Works was a rare gem and will be missed for his immeasurable contributions towards the development of the country as a soldier and leader.
“He was an uncommon statesman, a dependable ally, a devout Muslim, a great military officer, a highly disciplined gentleman and a respected mentor of his sub-ordinate officers”, the message added. The Forum then prayed God to grant the soul of the deceased eternal rest and the immediate family of the late former sole administrator of the Ahmadu Bello University the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
