From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu and former president, Muhammadu Buhari have mourned the demise of the former executive secretary of the defunct Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO), the precursor of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and District Head of Kurfi in Katsina State, Alhaji Ahmadu Kurfi.
In a statement issued by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described Kurfi as a distinguished elder statesman and a prominent traditional leader who made significant contributions throughout his illustrious public service career.
He commended Kurfi’s exemplary service to the nation and humanity and reminded current public servants of the legacy he leaves behind.
The President prayed for the elder statesman’s eternal peace and offered his deepest sympathies to his family as they cope with this profound loss.
In his section, Buhari said the death of Kurfi deprives Nigeria of one its wisest and capable citizens who gave everything they could to the nation in its quest for unity and development, and a man, who he said, had given purpose to elections.
“His able stewardship as a federal permanent secretary and success as secretary of the electoral commission are testaments to his acumen, organizational skills and strategies.
We consider it our good fortune in Katsina state to have had him for so long as an administrator, opinion leader and traditional ruler who always led from the front. May it please Allah to grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.
“My condolences to the family of the deceased, the Emir and the members of the Katsina Emirate Council, Governor Dikko Umar Radda and the people of the state, and the entire nation over the loss of one of the leaders who showed Nigeria the way forward with their capacity and sagacity,” the former president said.