President Muhammadu Buhari and APC national stalwart, Bola Ahmed Tinubu have sent condolences to government and people of Lagos State over the death of Brigadier-General Mobolaji Olufunso Johnson (rtd), 83, who was the first Military Governor of Lagos State.
The President commiserated with family members, friends and associates of the former governor, who had a distinguished career in the Nigerian Army, starting out as a cadet in 1959 and retiring in 1975.
As the first Governor of Lagos State, which was then the Federal Capital Territory, President Buhari affirms that Brigadier-General Johnson laid a solid foundation for the development of infrastructure in the state and provided a good framework for the civil service.
The President notes that the late Johnson’s footprints in promoting education and building durable health system will always be remembered.
President Buhari prays that the almighty God will accept the soul of the departed, while calling on all leaders of the state and citizens to uphold the legacies of discipline and selfless service bequeathed by Brigadier-General Johnson.
Tinubu described Johnson as an essential Nigerian statesman and one of the true fathers of Lagos. He also described him a man of high integrity who served Lagos with dedication and determination. Brigadier-General Johnson died at 83.
In a condolence statement on Thursday issued by his Media Office, Asiwaju Tinubu said “Brigadier-General Mobolaji Olufunso Johnson who died on Wednesday at 83 was an important national statesman and one of the true fathers of Lagos.
“First military Governor of Lagos, Johnson embodied the true spirit of Lagos. He served Lagos with dedication and determination. He contributed immensely to the state, developing the civil service. His tenure in Lagos also witnessed the building of major infrastructure in the state.
He was always available to advise and extend a helping hand to successive regimes in Lagos and particularly to me during my time as governor.
“Johnson made laudable contributions to the unity of the country as one of those who fought for Nigeria’s indivisibility. A committed nationalist, he laid the foundation for the development of the Federal Capital Territory as the first administrator of the former Federal Territory of Lagos in 1966.
“He was a man of high integrity. Johnson was one of the two state Governors (along with Brigadier-General Oluwole Rotimi) who was given a clean bill by the three-man panel commissioned to investigate the various allegations of corruption among the state governors who served under General Gowon.
“Nigeria will miss him; Lagos will miss him. We will all miss him. I commiserate with his wife, children and other family members. My condolences also go to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the state government over the transition.
“We thank God Brigadier Johnson lived to an advanced age and left behind good children and significant legacies. May his soul rest in peace”.