President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his condolences to the family of the former lawmaker, businessman and prominent figure in Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle, Chief Ralph Obioha.
Chief Obioha, a member of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), which fought for the restoration of the June 12, 1993 mandate won by the presidential candidate of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP), late Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, died on Sunday at the age of 80.
Tinubu, in a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, described the late Obioha as a “courageous Nigerian who made sacrifices for democracy and remained committed to the ideals of a better Nigeria.”
Recalling his contributions during the period of military rule, Tinubu noted that the late pro-democracy activist “remained steadfast in his belief that Nigeria’s destiny was inseparable from democracy, justice, constitutionalism and the right of the Nigerian people to choose their leaders.”
His statement read: “As a founding member and prominent leader of NADECO, Chief Obioha stood firmly on the side of democratic governance during the struggle for the restoration of democracy following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
“His commitment to the pro-democracy cause came at considerable personal cost. Yet, despite the challenges and pressures of those difficult years, he remained steadfast in his belief that Nigeria’s destiny was inseparable from democracy, justice, constitutionalism and the right of the Nigerian people to choose their leaders,” the President noted.
“While the passage of time may dim memories, the contributions of patriots who stood firm during difficult chapters of our national history must never be forgotten.
“Chief Ralph Obioha was a courageous Nigerian who made sacrifices for democracy and remained committed to the ideals of a better Nigeria.
“His generation faced extraordinary challenges, and he played his part in defending the principles he believed would strengthen our democracy and our nation.
“His passing is a loss to his family, his community and the nation. We shall remember him for his courage, his convictions, his service and his belief in Nigeria.
“On behalf of the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria, I extend my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. I pray that Almighty God grants them comfort and gives eternal rest to the soul of Chief Ralph Obioha.
“May the memory of Chief Ralph Obioha endure as a reminder that the building of a nation requires courage, sacrifice, conviction and faith.”