Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi (born c. 1953)[1] is a Nigerian politician and diplomat who previously served as minister of state for Defence. He is the son of former military leader Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi,[2] and was the ambassador to Togo before former President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed him to succeed Roland Oritsejafor as Minister of state for Defence.[3]
Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi | |
|---|---|
| Minister of State for Defence | |
| In office 30 August 2006 – 28 May 2007 | |
| President | Olusegun Obasanjo |
| Minister | Rabiu Kwankwaso |
| Preceded by | Roland Oritsejafor |
| Personal details | |
| Born | c 1953 (age 70–71) Kaduna, Northern Region, British Nigeria (now in Kaduna State, Nigeria) |
| Parents | |
While Aguiyi-Ironsi was ambassador to Togo, the choices to replace the outgoing Foreign Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, were reportedly narrowed down to him and Joy Ogwu.[2] However, after Obasanjo fired Oritsejafor, Aguiyi-Ironsi received the job of Defence Minister while Ogwu became foreign minister. The two were sworn in on 30 August 2006.[3]
On 24 January 2007, Aguiyi-Ironsi announced that Nigeria would send a battalion of peacekeeping troops to Somalia.[4]
References edit
- ^ "How I escaped death day coupists killed my father – Aguiyi-Ironsi's son, Thomas". Punch Newspapers. 16 February 2020. Retrieved 12 March 2023.
- ^ a b Elendu, Jonathan (7 August 2006). "Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala: Tom or Joy". Elendu Reports. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
- ^ a b Nwankwere, Lucky; Molly Kilete (31 August 2006). "Obasanjo drops Defence Minister…Aguiyi-Ironsi's son takes over". Online Nigeria. Retrieved 25 January 2007.
- ^ "Nigeria to send peacekeeping battalion to Somalia". reuter.co.uk. Reuters. 24 January 2007. Retrieved 25 January 2007.[dead link]
External links edit
- April elections, a big challenge - Military, Nigerian Tribune
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