‘He fought for a united Nigeria’ — Sanwo-Olu mourns Ndubuisi Kanu

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos state, says the late Ndubuisi Kanu, a retired rear admiral and pro-democracy advocate, fought to ensure a united Nigeria. 

Kanu, who was a former military administrator of Lagos, died on Wednesday morning after battling an undisclosed ailment.

Sanwo-Olu, in a condolence message signed by Gboyega Akosile, his chief press secretary, described the late Kanu as “a complete gentleman and officer”, adding that the deceased contributed immensely to the development of Lagos during his short tenure in office.

The governor praised the deceased for fighting “alongside the progressive elements in the country during the dark days of the military junta for the enthronement of constitutional democracy in Nigeria”.

Sanwo-Olu said the nation would miss Kanu’s rich experience and knowledge.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Lagos State, I want to express my sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and comrades of late Ndubuisi Kanu as well as the Nigerian Navy, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the country in general,” Sanwo-Olu said.

“As one of Nigeria’s advocates of good governance, restructuring and true federalism, the late Ndubuisi Kanu will be sorely missed by the people.

“The death of Rear Admiral Kanu is a colossal loss to the country. He made lots of positive impact and contribution during his lifetime to the growth and development of Lagos State and Nigeria. He fought, along with several other patriots tirelessly for a united Nigeria during his days in the Nigerian Navy as well as a member of pro-democracy group after he retired from service.

“He wrote his name in gold as a tireless fighter and an advocate of democratic government. He played a leading role as chieftain of NADECO in the agitation for the actualisation of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election and return of civilian government on May 29, 1999.”

Sanwo-Olu noted that the best way to immortalise the deceased is to ensure that the good governance he and others fought for spreads to every facet of the society.