The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the death of Chief Adebanjo who died at the age of 96, as “a national tragedy.”
The party, in a statement on Saturday by its spokesman, Debo Ologunagba, said it was deeply saddened by the death of an elder statesman, nationalist and foremost advocate of democracy in Nigeria.
The main opposition party noted that the late Afenifere leader was a fearless lawyer, forthright and principled politician.
It observed that during his lifetime, Adebanjo was an uncompromising democrat and a leading national light who stood for the people’s rights.
The party recalled his role in the entrenchment of democratic tenets and adherence to the rule of law, good governance, transparency, accountability, social welfare, justice, equity, fairness and mutual respect in national life.
“He was a national icon, a torchbearer, the leading epitome of truth and a passionate advocate of true federalism, restructuring and devolution of powers, which are the only workable templates of effective governance, political stability and more peaceful co-existence in a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-religious society such as Nigeria.
“Chief Adebanjo was an audacious and outspoken patriot who remained steadfast to his commitment towards the unity, stability and development of our nation by always pointing to the truth, proffered practical solutions for knotty national issues and served as a source of inspiration, vision and direction, especially for the contemporary generation of leaders.
“Through the years, as one of the fighters for our nation’s independence, a staunch member of the then Zikist Movement and later the Organising Secretary of the Action Group (AG); a prominent figure in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), Chief Adebanjo distinguished himself as a true nationalist who put the interest of the nation and wellbeing of Nigerians above every other consideration.
“His death at this critical time is therefore a huge blow to our nation as he left the stage when his wealth of experience, wisdom and direction are needed the most.
” Though we mourn, we find solace in the fact that Chief Adebanjo lived an accomplished life and bequeathed innumerable legacies that will remain invaluable for generations to come, the party said.
The PDP commiserated with the Adebanjo family, the Afenifere family, the government and people of Ogun State and lovers of democracy all over the world and prayed to God for fortitude to bear the great loss.
Adebanjo’s Death A National Tragedy, Says PDP is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
Source: The Whistler
