Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Friday said the state government would participate fully in all the programmes leading to the final burial of the former military governor of the state, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (rtd).
He said the state has set up a four-man committee led by the Commissioner of Information and Strategy Gbenga Omotoso to work with the deceased family and other stakeholders to immortalise and give Kanu a befitting passage of exit.
The elder statesman and leader of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) died on Wednesday at 77.
Speaking during a condolence visit to the deceased’s family in Victoria Island, Lagos, Sanwo-Olu who was accompanied by his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat; and other top state officials described the late elder statesman as a detribalised Nigerian.
He said: “He (Kanu) was a man that I personally had come to respect. He was a man that had supported our government from day one. He was a man that I personally respect, not because he is no more with us but he had been to my office on two occasions and had attended all of our events as a pillar of support.
“He was completely detribalised. He was a builder and a brother from across the Niger. He was a true Nigerian that we all need to celebrate. So, that is why we are here humbly for and on behalf of the government and people of Lagos State to reassure you that the State is solidly beside you in this time of grief.
“We and other stakeholders are right beside you because he was not just a man for one part, he was a national figure. We will work with other stakeholders to ensure that we immortalise and we give him a befitting passage of exit out of this world.”
Hamzat hailed late Kanu’s contribution to the state and Nigeria, noting that the former military governor was irreplaceable.
Speaking on behalf of the bereaved family, Kanu’s widow Gladys Kanu appreciated the Lagos State Government for offering to finance the burial of her husband.
