Unongo died on Tuesday at the Jos University Teaching Hospital after a brief illness at the age of 87.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong, described the late elderstatesman as an achiever who served Nigeria with passion and patriotism.
Lalong who further described him as a thorough intellectual and notable politician said the deceased played a great role in the democratic journey of Nigeria and would be remembered as one who stood for justice, equity and fairness.
The statement signed by the governor’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Macham Makut, added that “as Minister for Steel Development in the second Republic and pioneer Secretary General of the Nigerian People’ Party (NPP), Unongo demonstrated capacity and ability to work with Nigerians from all works of life and different parts of the country towards building a greater nation.
“The Northern Governors Chairman also recalled that Unongo was the convener and former chairman of the Northern Elders Forum which took special interest in issues regarding the development of the region and the nation at large.
“He said such interventions drew attention to and mobilised support for the plight of the people of the northern region particularly in the areas of peace and security, agriculture, education, health and infrastructure among others.
“Unongo according to the governor never failed to speak out on national issues and advance solutions to resolving them.
“While commiserating with his family, government and people of Benue State, the Northern Governors Forum prayed God to grant his soul eternal rest.”
