Mark, CPP extol TOS Benson's virtues

Taiwo Adisa and Bola Badmus - 18.02.2008

SENATE President, Senator David Mark, has lamented the death of elder statesman and nationalist, Chief T.O.S. Benson. He said that the death had left a vacuum that would be difficult to fill.

Mark, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Paul Mumeh, on Sunday in Abuja, said that the nation had to take solace in the fact that the nationalist lived a fulfilled life.

The Senate President said in the condolence message sent to the family of the foremost nationalist as well as the government and people of Lagos State that Chief Benson died at a time when his wealth of experience was needed to guide the present crop of leaders of Nigeria.

He stated that the nationalist had contributed immensely to the actualisation of the nation’s independence, adding that the late Chief Benson remained a role model in the political and socio-economic life of Nigerians till he breathed his last.

“TOS Benson was an accomplished administrator, a focused leader and detribalised Nigerian who saw the country as his constituency. We are going to miss him no doubt. But we are consoled that he left his positive footprint on the sands of time and a legacy we can all draw inspiration from.”

Also, Citizens Popular Party (CPP) said on Sunday that it received with shock the news of the death of Chief Benson, describing his exit as a big loss to the nation.

CPP stated this in a statement signed by its national chairman, Mr. Maxi Okwu, and released to the Nigerian Tribune in Abuja.

The party, in a one-page statement, described the late politician as a statesman and a detribalised Nigerian who was a national treasure.

According to the CPP, the late Benson’s sagacity and tenacity of purpose as a politician, administrator and lawyer endeared him to the hearts of his compatriots.