From Desmond Mgboh, Kano
Elder statesman, Tanko Yakassai has described the death of the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Late Ghali UmarNa abba as a shocking, painful and irreparable loss.
Yakasai who described the deceased as the “Speakers Speaker”, noted that he would be remembered for so many good things, particularly his firm position on separation of powers, regretting that he passed on at a time when his contributions to democracy were still very relevant
On a personal level, he maintained that the deceased respected and treated both his senior and younger ones with respect and dignity, adding it was this amiable disposition that oiled the bond of friendship between their both families.
He prayed Allah for forgive him his wrongdoings as well as give the Naaaba family, the people of Kano State and Nigerians in general the fortitude to bear the loss.
In the meantime, Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf has commiserated with the family and entire people of the state over the death of the former Speaker,
In a message issued by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the Governor described the deceased as a true democrat, who worked relentlessly to ensure the thriving of democracy, good governance, respect for rule of law, in addition to championing the course of the common man.
“We received with deepest shock, the death of our brother Rt. Hon. Ghali Umar Na’Abba in the wee hours of today, the former Speaker who died at the age of 65, was a complete gentleman, a true democrat whose contributions to the sustainance of democracy in the country was appreciated and cherished by all,” the statement said
He observed that his death had created a wide vacuum that would be difficult to fill not only in the extended Na’Abba family, in the state but in the entire country as his contributions to the strengthening democracy in Nigeria and beyond would endure over the years.
“On behalf of the Government and good people of Kano State, we wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, political associates, national assembly and good people of Kano” he stated.
“May the Almighty Allah to grant his soul eternal rest, Jannatul Firdausi be his final abode and may HE give the family fortitude to bear the irreparable loss” Prayed Governor Abba.