President Goodluck has expressed shock and sadness news of the death of the Deputy Chairman of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P), Major-General Mamman Tsoho Kontagora (rtd.)
The Senate President, Sen. David Mark, too has lamented the death of Maj-Gen. Mamman Kontagora (Rtd).
President Jonathan, on behalf of himself, the Federal Government and all Nigerians, on Thursday extended sincere condolences to the late General’s family, the Kontagora Emirate Council, Governor Babangida Aliyu and all the people of Niger State.
The President joined them in mourning the former Minister of Works and the Federal Capital Territory.
According to a statement signed by his spokesman, Dr Reuben Abati President Jonathan believed “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.
On his part, the Senate President, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan in Abuja, described Kontagora as a fine officer, a complete gentleman and a true nationalist.
“Kontagora was a patriot who stood to be counted when it mattered. I received the news of his death with shock, he was a brilliant officer and a distinguished administrator.
“I recall the revolution he brought to bear in the construction of road networks across Nigeria as the then Minister of Works and Housing,’’ he said.
Mark said the late officer was a honest and disciplined administrator who never compromised on standards.
He told the government and people of Niger State, especially the bereaved family, to take solace that Kotangora lived an eventful and accomplished life worthy of emulation.