Former President of the Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki has said that late former Minister of Power and Steel in the Second Republic, Paul Unongo, was like a father to him.
Saraki said this in a statement on Wednesday.
Unongo, the Benue State-born former Chairman of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), died Tuesday morning in Jos, the Plateau State capital at the age of 87.
Many prominent leaders, including President Muhammadu Buhari, have paid tributes to the late politician.
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In his statement, Saraki eulogised Unongo for working as a human rights activist to ensure justice across Nigeria.
“Today, I join with other Nigerians in mourning the loss of one of our great elders, Wantaregh Paul Unongo, a famous politician and former chairman of the Northern Elders.
“Wantaregh Paul Unongo is like a father to me. He was a role model for me, and one who gives me great life advice. He lived as a human rights activist, and worked hard to ensure justice across the country.
“His death has made the people of Binuwai and the country to mourn. We will continue to remember his contribution to making Nigeria better.
“I and my family send our condolences to the entire Unongo family, and prayers for the patience of the loss.
“He will surely be missed,” Saraki said.