By Charles Kumolu

LAGOS—PRESIDENT of Edo Golden Club, Lagos, Chief Oko Baba Igiebor, has said that the demise of its pioneer President, Mr. Ahmed Khana was a blow to Nigeria, noting that the deceased made the struggle for the revalidation of June 12 mandate a pan-Nigerian quest.

He also said the deceased was a bridge builder, opinion moulder, and an irrepressible leader, who achieved greatness.

Briefing newsmen, he noted that Khana’s commitment to democracy, saw him taking the quest for the revalidation of June 12 mandate to Holland, South Africa, and London.

His words: ‘’The fallen icon was humane, selfless and God-fearing. His life was selfless and stoic. He never compromised on principles and was an unyielding advocate of the rule of law, individual liberty, and democracy-the ideas he lived for and was prepared to die for.

‘’This was demonstrated when he took the campaign to revalidate M.K.O Abiola’s mandate to Holland, South Africa, and London. He actively participated in extending the frontiers of the mandate when the late Gen Sani Abacha wanted to stigmatize the mandate. Khana rejected the notion and succeeded in bringing Edo youths, labour groups, students and market women to embrace the mandate as a Pan- Nigerian mandate.”