The Deputy Chairman of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P), Major-General Mamman Tsoho Kontagora (rtd) is dead.
Kontagora, who was defeated by late president Umaru Musa Yar’adua during the presidential primaries of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2007 general elections, died in the late hours of Wednesday.
He was also defeated by Isa Maina in the FCT senatorial primaries of the PDP in 2003.
He was aged 69.
He was a former military administrator of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, during the regime of General Abdulsalami Abubakar.
General Kotangora was 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 was also a minister of works during the regime of Ibrahim Babangida.
Jonathan Mourns
In a statement signed by Special Adviser to the President (Media and Publicity), Reuben Abati, President Goodluck Jonathan expressed ‘shock and immense sadness’ over the news of General Kontagora’s death.
He, on behalf of himself, the Federal Government and all Nigerians extended his condolences to the late General’s family, the Kontagora Emirate Council, Governor Babangida Aliyu and all the people of Niger State.
The president described the late politician as the “illustrious and indefatigable former Minister of Works and the Federal Capital Territory who, even in retirement, continued to serve his fatherland with zeal, vigour and enthusiasm whenever he was called upon to do so.”
He also praised the late Army Engineer and added that the nation will always honour his memory 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.
He prayed that God Almighty will grant General Kontagora’s soul eternal rest.
Meanwhile, a delegation led by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Mohammed is to represent President Jonathan at General Kontagora’s interment.
The delegation will also include the Minister of State for Power, Mrs. Zainab Ibrahim Kuchi and the Chairman of Sure-P, Dr. Christopher Kolade.
‘Uncommon Statesman’ – Northern Governors Forum
The Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) also expressed shock and sadness at the death of General Kontagora ; describing it as a monumental loss to Niger State in particular.
Forum Chairman and Governor of Niger State, Muazu Babangida Aliyu expressed the forum’s condolence in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Danladi Ndayebo.
The statement described the late General Kontagora as a patriot who died in the service of his fatherland.
The Governors stated that they were pained by the demise of General Kontagora, but takes solace in the fact that he lived an exemplary and purposeful life with remarkable achievements as a military officer, administrator, community leader and a dedicated family man.
“He was an uncommon statesman, a dependable ally, a devout Muslim, a great military officer, a highly disciplined gentleman and a respected mentor of his sub-ordinate officers”, the message added.
The Forum also prayed God to grant the soul of the deceased eternal rest and the immediate family of the late former sole administrator of the Ahmadu Bello University the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.