NATIONAL: Buhari mourns ‘staunch ally’, Tony Momoh, says he will be missed

PRESIDENT Buhari has expressed grief over the passing of ex-Minister of Information and Culture, Prince Tony Momoh.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, and released this evening, the president described the veteran journalist as a “staunch ally” who he will miss greatly.

Momoh died today at his residence in Abuja, aged 81.

According to Adesina, President Buhari said Momoh stood with him through thick and thin, adding: “His brand of loyalty is very rare in the politics of today. I will greatly miss him.”

The president 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 Auchi Prince 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,” Adesina said.

“While also condoling with the Auchi Kingdom, the government and people of Edo State on this great loss, the President prayed that God will grant the departed eternal rest and comfort his family, friends and political associates in this period of grief”.

Momoh was appointed Minister of Information and Culture by the former military president, Ibrahim Babangida, in 1986.

He also served as Chairman of the African Conference of Information Ministers from 1988 to 1990.

He was also a member of the Nigeria Press Council.