From Noah Ebije, Kaduna

The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has mourned with deep sorrow, the news of the death of northern leader and elder Chief Wantaregh Paul Unongo.

Chief Unongo, a former Convener of the Northern Elders Forum, died Tuesday, November 29, 2022.

A statement by the Spokesperson of CNG, Abdulazeez Suleiman described the Northern elder’s death as a monumental loss to the North and Nigeria as a whole.

“The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has received with deep sorrow, news of the passing of another great Northern leader and elder, Wantaregh Paul Unongo. The CNG notes that the death of Chief Unongo, a former Convener of the Northern Elders Forum on Tuesday, 29th November 2022 is another monumental loss to Nigeria and the North after that of Amb Yusuf Maitama Sule, Danmasanin Kano.

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“The Wantaregh who died at age 87 in Jos, following a prolonged illness, was indeed a great statesman whose leadership, statesmanship and commitment to the protection of the northern values and promotion of national unity were unmatched.

“A man of peace, Wantaregh Paul Unongo’s inspiring presence at every turn of events and untiring efforts helped to keep the flames of our dedication to the interests of the people of the North and Nigeria alive, whose leadership, sacrifice, statesmanship, patriotism and unwavering commitment to the interests of the people of Northern Nigerian, and citizens of Nigeria as a whole has few parallels in our nation.

“With the death of Chief Unongo, the North has certainly lost another great leader and father whose leadership, sacrifice, statesmanship and commitment to the interests of the people of the region and Nigeria generally would be greatly missed.

“The CNG wishes to join the millions across the globe in condoling his family, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Governor of Benue State, the Tor Tiv, the Northern Elders’ Forum, the people of Benue State, and entire Northern Nigeria for the passage of this great statesman.

“May God grant them the fortitude to bear this monumental loss in these trying times,” the statement said.