President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has been commended for honouring Nigeria’s first Military Head of State, Major-General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi, 60 years after his assassination.
In a letter to the President, the President of GLOBE Legislators International and former member of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Sam Onuigbo, said the recognition of Aguiyi-Ironsi during activities marking the 60th anniversary of his assassination demonstrated deep historical insight and visionary leadership.
Onuigbo, who represented the former military leader’s federal constituency of Ikwuano/Umuahia North and Umuahia South in the House of Representatives from 2015 to 2023, described the commemoration as a significant tribute to the enduring legacy of Nigeria’s first military Head of State, who died in the service of the fatherland.
He described Aguiyi-Ironsi as a symbol of patriotism, discipline, integrity and commitment to national unity, noting that his contributions and sacrifices remain an important part of Nigeria’s evolving socio-political history.
Onuigbo, who sponsored Nigeria’s Climate Change Act while in the House of Representatives, said the recognition came at a time when the salaries and emoluments of serving military personnel had also been reviewed upwards.
According to him, the developments demonstrate that President Tinubu is a Commander-in-Chief committed 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 hailed from my constituency, but also because President Tinubu has continued to demonstrate committed and courageous leadership with patriotic surefootedness,” he said.
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 noted that, over the years, little had been done at the national level to formally recognise the sacrifices made by the two military officers in the course of Nigeria’s nation-building.
He said President Tinubu deserved commendation for recognising the historical significance of the anniversary and for urging Nigerians to renew their commitment to national unity and patriotism.
He also commended the calibre of dignitaries who participated in the anniversary activities, including the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, who represented the President.
“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 further said the values associated with Aguiyi-Ironsi’s life and service remained relevant to Nigeria, adding that the late military leader’s legacy should continue to inspire present and future generations.
He also recognised 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 urged Nigerians, particularly young people, to learn from the nation’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.
“For this, I wish to commend the Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Chioma Otti, and the family of the late General Aguiyi-Ironsi for putting together the anniversary activities and hosting such notable leaders as former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, and former First Lady of Nigeria, Dr Patience Jonathan,” Onuigbo stated.
