President Bola Tinubu has been commended for honouring Nigeria’s first Military Head of State, Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, 60 years after his assassination.
The President of GLOBE Legislators International and former member of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Sam Onuigbo, gave the commendation in a letter to Tinubu.
Onuigbo, who represented Ikwuano/Umuahia North and Umuahia South Federal Constituency of Abia State from 2015 to 2023, said the President’s recognition of Aguiyi-Ironsi during activities marking the 60th anniversary of his death demonstrated historical insight and visionary leadership.
July 29, 2026, marked 60 years since Aguiyi-Ironsi and the then Military Governor of the Western Region, Lt. Col. Adekunle Fajuyi, were killed during the counter-coup in Ibadan in 1966.
Onuigbo described the commemoration as a significant tribute to the enduring legacy of Aguiyi-Ironsi, whom he said died in the service of Nigeria.
He described the late military leader 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 socio-political history.
Onuigbo, 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.
He said the development demonstrated 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 said the 60th anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on Aguiyi-Ironsi’s sacrifice and the broader challenges of nation-building.
He also commended the dignitaries who participated in the anniversary activities, including the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, who represented the President at the event.
‘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,’ he said.
Onuigbo urged Nigerians to support efforts aimed at strengthening national unity, peace and development.
‘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.
He said the values associated with Aguiyi-Ironsi’s life and service remained relevant to Nigeria, adding that his legacy should continue to inspire present and future generations.
Onuigbo also acknowledged former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, for paying tribute to Aguiyi-Ironsi, and commended all those who participated in the 60th anniversary activities.
He urged Nigerians, particularly young people, to study the country’s history and draw lessons 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.