Onuigbo Commends President Tinubu for Honouring Aguiyi Ironsi’s Legacy, 60 Years After His Assassination
The 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 the late military leader’s federal constituency of Ikwuano/Umuahia North and Umuahia South in the House of Representatives from 2015 to 2023, described the President’s recognition of Aguiyi-Ironsi as a demonstration of historical consciousness and visionary leadership.
In a letter to President Tinubu, the President of GLOBE Legislators International said the 60th anniversary commemoration was a significant tribute to the enduring legacy of Aguiyi-Ironsi, who died in the service of the nation.
He described the late military Head of State as a symbol of patriotism, discipline, integrity and commitment to national unity, stressing that his contributions and sacrifices remain an important part of Nigeria’s political history.
Onuigbo, who sponsored Nigeria’s Climate Change Act while in the National Assembly, also linked the commemoration to the recent upward review of the salaries and emoluments of serving military personnel, saying both gestures demonstrated President Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare and morale of members of the Armed Forces.
He said, “I am very elated by this gesture from Mr President, not only because the late Gen. Aguiyi-Ironsi hailed from my constituency, but also for the fact that President Tinubu has continued to demonstrate committed and courageous leadership with patriotic surefootedness.”
July 29, 2026, marked 60 years since Aguiyi-Ironsi and Lt. Col. Adekunle Fajuyi were assassinated in Ibadan during the 1966 counter-coup.
Onuigbo noted that the anniversary provided an opportunity to recognise the sacrifices of the two military officers and reflect on their contributions to Nigeria’s nation-building journey.
He particularly praised the quality of dignitaries who participated in the anniversary activities, including the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, who represented President Tinubu, as well as former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, who paid tribute to Aguiyi-Ironsi.
Onuigbo said the President’s recognition of the occasion and his call for renewed commitment to national unity and patriotism demonstrated the administration’s efforts towards strengthening national cohesion.
He urged Nigerians to support efforts aimed at building a more united, peaceful and prosperous country, stressing that national unity remains essential to Nigeria’s peace, stability and development.
The former lawmaker further called on young Nigerians to study the country’s history and draw inspiration from the lives and sacrifices of national figures such as Aguiyi-Ironsi and Fajuyi.
According to him, the 60th anniversary should go beyond remembrance and serve as a moment for Nigerians to reflect on the values of unity, patriotism, discipline, integrity and service to the nation.
Onuigbo also commended Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, and the family of the late Aguiyi-Ironsi for organising the anniversary activities, which attracted notable personalities, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former First Lady, Dr. Patience Jonathan.
He said the continued remembrance of Aguiyi-Ironsi and other national figures who sacrificed for Nigeria would help preserve the country’s history and inspire future generations to contribute meaningfully to national development.
