Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed sadness over the deaths of Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, and former Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan.
Obasanjo, in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, described the late Fasoranti as one of the last remaining titans of a generation that laid the foundation for modern Nigeria.
He said Fasoranti anchored public service on character, sacrifice and integrity, describing his life as a masterclass in purposeful longevity and leadership without 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 said.
He recalled Fasoranti’s role as a principal in historic institutions and as Commissioner for Finance in the old Ondo State under the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), which he said remained a reference point for fiscal discipline and transparency.
Obasanjo said Fasoranti served as a unifying anchor for Afenifere during a period of fragmentation, stood against military dictatorship and remained a voice for true federalism, justice and equity.
“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 said Nigeria had lost a fine gentleman, a dedicated medical professional and a consummate statesman.
He recalled working closely with Uduaghan when he served as Commissioner for Health and later as Secretary to the State Government under 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 said.
He said Uduaghan’s administrative acumen and commitment to peace and progress in Delta State prepared him for leadership when he became governor in 2007.
Obasanjo mourns Fasoranti, Uduaghan, says Nigeria lost titans