The Benue state governorhsip Candidate in the 2023 general elections under the platform of the New Nigeria People’s Party NNPP, Prof. Bem Angwe on Wednesday mourned the demise of Wantaregh Paul I. Unongo, Ph.D saying that Nigeria has lost a reknowned statesman.

Prof. Angwe made the pronouncement in a condolence message isssued on his behalf by his Personal Assistant/Gubernatorial Campaign Administrator, Sir Johnson Adah KSM in Abuja on Wednesday.

A former Minister of Steel development in the 2nd republic and erstwhile Chairman of the Northern Elders Forum, Unôngo held several political positions and was involved in the nation’s Constitutional conferences.

Until his demise, late Wantaregh Paul Unôngo was Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council.

In a tribute, the human rights defender and Benue state governorship Hopeful, Prof. Angwe, acknowledged the the leadership qualities exhibited by late Wantaregh Paul Unôngo stating that “in all the positions he held as a politician and public officer, he displayed a high level of intellectualism, politness, dignity and sagacity.

“On behalf of myself, family and campaign council, my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, the people of Benue state and Nigeria at large”.

In 2017, Unongo succeeded late Alhaji Maitama Sule as the chairman of the Northern Elders Forum.

He aspired to govern Benue in 1983, but lost to Mr Aper Aku also of blessed memory.

Wantaregh Paul Unôngo who hailed from Jato Aka in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue, reportedly died in Jos, Plateau state on Tuesday, 29th November, 2022 at the age of 87 years.