Ex-lawmaker hails Tinubu for honouring Aguiyi-Ironsi

File: Former House of Representatives member, Sam Onuigbo.

A former House of Representatives member, Sam Onuigbo, who represented the Ikwuano/Umuahia North and Umuahia South Federal Constituency in Abia State from 2015 to 2023, has commended President Bola Tinubu for honouring Nigeria’s first Military Head of State, Major-General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, who hailed from the constituency.

Aguiyi-Ironsi was assassinated alongside the then Military Governor of the Western Region, Lt. Col. Adekunle Fajuyi, during the counter-coup in Ibadan on July 29, 1966, marking 60 years since his death this year.

Tinubu had paid tribute to Aguiyi-Ironsi, describing him as a symbol of patriotism, courage, discipline and selfless service to the nation.

In an appreciation letter addressed to the President, a copy of which was obtained by our correspondent on Tuesday, Onuigbo, who is also the President of GLOBE Legislators International, said the recognition accorded Aguiyi-Ironsi during activities marking the 60th anniversary of his assassination demonstrated deep historical insight on the part of the President.

He described the commemoration as a significant tribute to the enduring legacy of Nigeria’s first Military Head of State, who died in the service of the country.

He described Aguiyi-Ironsi as a symbol of patriotism, discipline, integrity and commitment to national unity, noting that his contributions remained an important part of Nigeria’s evolving socio-political history.

“I am very elated by this gesture from Mr President, not only because the late Gen. Aguiyi-Ironsi hailed from my constituency, but also because President Tinubu has continued to demonstrate committed and courageous leadership with patriotic surefootedness.

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“The honour came at a time when the salaries and emoluments of serving military personnel had also been reviewed upwards — a development which has shown Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare and morale of the Armed Forces.

“While we are full of gratitude to Mr President, the fact needs repeating that unity remains an essential ingredient for the peace, stability and development of the country. On that note, I plead with Nigerians to continue to support the Tinubu administration in its efforts to build a more united, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria,” Onuigbo said.

He noted that little had been done at the national level over the years to formally recognise the sacrifices made by Aguiyi-Ironsi and Fajuyi in the course of Nigeria’s nation-building, and commended Tinubu for recognising the historical significance of the anniversary.

Onuigbo also commended the calibre of dignitaries who took part in the anniversary activities, including the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, who represented the President; former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon; former President Olusegun Obasanjo; and former First Lady, Dr Patience Jonathan.

He praised Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, and the family of the late General Aguiyi-Ironsi for organising the anniversary events, and urged Nigerians, particularly young people, to draw inspiration from the lives and sacrifices of national figures such as Aguiyi-Ironsi and Fajuyi.

“The 60th anniversary ceremony of the assassination of General Aguiyi-Ironsi should serve not only as a moment of remembrance, but also as an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the ideals of unity, patriotism, discipline, integrity and service to the nation,” he said.