President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua yesterday said Nigeria owed late Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Chief Sunday Awoniyi, gratitude for consolidating the public service inherited from the colonial masters.

In a speech on his behalf by the Minister for National Planning, Senator Sanusi Daggash, at the ceremony commemorating the life and times of the late ACF chairman and the launch of his Foundation in Kaduna, Yar’adua also described Awoniyi as "a great national icon".

He said the deceased was a great patriot and nationalist who worked for the unity of the North. He said he was a detribalised Nigerian and a bridge builder between the youths and elders.

Chairman of the occasion and former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, (rtd), who had earlier inaugurated the newly elected ACF National Executive Council (NEC) led by retired General I.B.M. Haruna, said Awoniyi worked tirelessly in the interest of the northern region and called on the new council to justify his sacrifice.

Kaduna State Governor, Arc. Namadi Sambo, said the death of Awoniyi should provide a rallying point for northerners to "reiterate all that unites us and rekindle our determination to pursue service with excellence as the deceased did during his lifetime "so as to keep the flame burning for the sake of future generations".

Former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said Awoniyi was a rare national icon, a bridgehead, patriot, a realist and nationalist who would be remembered for his dogged fight against former President Obasanjo’s third term agenda.

Former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, said the late ACF leader was his mentor and Nigeria lost him when it needed him most.

He regretted the disappearance of the pool of patriots such as Awoniyi whom he said remained loyal to his mentor, the first and only premier of northern region, Sir Ahmadu Bello.

A 700-page book comprising selected speeches of Chief Awoniyi was also launched while about N100 million was realised at the occasion for the Foundation.

Present at the occasion were the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Mohammad Abubakar Sa’ad III, Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris, former Heads of State, retired Generals Muhammadu Buhari and Abdulsalami Abubakar.

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