Onuigbo Commends Tinubu for Honouring Aguiyi-Ironsi 60 Years After Assassination

Sunday Ehigiator

President of GLOBE Legislators International and former member of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Sam Onuigbo, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for honouring Nigeria’s first military Head of State, Major General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi, 60 years after his assassination.

Onuigbo, who represented Aguiyi-Ironsi’s former federal constituency of Ikwuano/Umuahia North and Umuahia South in the House of Representatives from 2015 to 2023, conveyed the commendation in a letter yesterday to the President.

He said Tinubu’s decision to recognise Aguiyi-Ironsi as part of activities marking the 60th anniversary of his assassination demonstrated “deep historical insight and visionary leadership.”

July 29, 2026, marked 60 years since Aguiyi-Ironsi was assassinated alongside the then Military Governor of the Western Region, Lt. Col. Adekunle Fajuyi, during the counter-coup in Ibadan.

Onuigbo described the anniversary as a significant tribute to the enduring legacy of Nigeria’s first military Head of State, whom he said died in the service of the country.

He described Aguiyi-Ironsi as a symbol of patriotism, discipline, integrity and commitment to national unity, adding that his contributions and sacrifices remained an important part of Nigeria’s evolving socio-political history.

The former lawmaker, who sponsored Nigeria’s Climate Change Act, also linked the commemoration to the recent upward review of the salaries and emoluments of serving military personnel, saying the two developments showed Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare and morale of members of the Armed Forces.

“I am very elated by this gesture from Mr President, not only because the late Gen Aguiyi-Ironsi hails from my constituency, but also for the fact that President Tinubu has continued to demonstrate committed and courageous leadership with patriotic surefootedness,” he said.

Onuigbo noted that, until the 60th anniversary activities, little had been done to formally recognise Aguiyi-Ironsi’s sacrifice in Nigeria’s nation-building history.

He therefore commended Tinubu for recognising the significance of the occasion and urging Nigerians to renew their commitment to national unity and patriotism.

According to him, the calibre of dignitaries who participated in the anniversary activities, including the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, who represented the President, further underscored the importance attached to the occasion.

“For recognising the importance of the occasion and for urging Nigerians to renew their commitment to national unity and patriotism, President Tinubu has continued to lead the way in promoting national unity through his administration’s policies and engagements.

“While we are full of gratitude to Mr President, the fact needs repeating that unity remains an essential ingredient for the peace, stability and development of the country. On that note, I plead with Nigerians to continue to support the Tinubu administration in its efforts to build a more united, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria,” he said.

Onuigbo said the values associated with Aguiyi-Ironsi’s life and service remained relevant to Nigeria, stressing that his legacy should continue to inspire present and future generations.

He also acknowledged the goodwill gesture of former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, who paid tribute to Aguiyi-Ironsi, and commended all those who participated in the 60th anniversary activities.

He particularly urged young Nigerians to learn from the country’s history and draw inspiration from the lives and sacrifices of national figures such as Aguiyi-Ironsi and Fajuyi.

“The 60th anniversary ceremony of the assassination of General Aguiyi-Ironsi should serve, not only as a moment of remembrance, but also as an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the ideals of unity, patriotism, discipline, integrity and service to the nation,” he said.

Onuigbo also commended the Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, and the Aguiyi-Ironsi family for organising the anniversary activities and hosting notable dignitaries, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former First Lady, Dr Patience Jonathan.