Nigerians have continued to mourn the passing of doyen of Nigerian journalism, law and politics, Prince Tony Momoh, who died on Monday aged 81.
A distinguished journalist, who also trained as a lawyer, Momoh served as the Information Minister during the Ibrahim Babangida military administration. He attended the Nigerian Law School, Lagos between October 1974 and May 1975 and was called to the bar in June 1975. He started his journalism career with the Daily Times newspaper in 1962 and rose to the position of Editor. He was also, until his death, a member of Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Many Nigerians have continued to express grief in the wake of Momoh’s death, including Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari. The President described Momoh as his ally, saying Momoh, a Prince of the Auchi royal family, stood with him through thick and thin in his political odyssey before he attained the Presidency in 2015 and thereafter, adding “his brand of loyalty is very rare in the politics of today.’’
The president, in a statement through his spokesperson, recalled that as Chairman, Media and Publicity of the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) Campaign Organisation in the 2003 and 2007 elections, as well as Chairman of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), the late Tony Momoh contributed in no small measure to the growth and strengthening of the organisations, leading to the eventual formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
President Buhari commiserated with the media industry on the loss of a veteran who put in a lot to raise the bar of the profession in various ways as an Editor, Manager, Administrator, President and Trustee of the Guild of Editors, urging them to sustain his legacies.
While also condoling with the Auchi Kingdom, the government and people of Edo State on the passing of the former Minister, President Buhari prayed that God will grant the departed eternal rest and comfort his family, friends and political associates in this period of grief.
In a related condolence message, Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki also expressed grief at the death of Momoh, saying: “It is with a heavy heart that I received the news of his death.”
In a statement issued in Benin City, the Edo State capital, Obaseki celebrated the contributions of the late Momoh to the growth and development of Nigeria, describing him as a rare politician, who spoke truth to power when it mattered most.
Also, a distinguished member of the Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere and former representative of the Ogun East Senatorial District in the Senate, Olabiyi Durojaiye, mourned Momoh’s demise, describing his death as a great loss to the country at a critical moment. Besides, spokesman of Afenifere, Yinka Odumakin, said it was a sad moment for Nigeria. Odumakin added that Momoh was an unrepentant adherent of restructuring until his death.
Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu equally described the death of the former Minister of Information and Culture, Prince Tony Momoh, as a colossal loss to Nigeria and the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress, APC. Sanwo-Olu in a condolence message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Gboyega Akosile, on Monday, said the death of the elder statesman, politician and journalist was painful and heartbreaking.