…Dogara mourns too
By Aaron Ossai
The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has expressed deep grief over the passing on of Nigeria’s former Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) and Minister of National Guidance, Alhaji Maitama Sule.
Ekweremadu, who paid glowing tribute to the late politician, described the death as a heavy blow, not only to the Government and good people of Kano State, but also the entire nation.
He said: “This is the exit of a patriot, true statesman, role model, social crusader, diplomat of an uncommon pedigree, and an orator, who served the nation and humanity in many capacities.
“Although he was popularly known as Dan Masanin Kano, some of us preferred to call him Dan Masanin Nigeria, for he had a rare national appeal and loomed larger than life itself even in his humility. A man of unimpeachable integrity and agent of national rebirth, Dan Masanin was, true to his title, a man of the people, mouthpiece of the poor, master of words, peacemaker, and diplomat per excellence”.
Ekweremadu, however, regretted that Alhaji Sule did not live to witness the Nigeria of his dream, which he fervently preached, prayed, and worked for.
“As a people, therefore, we owe it to his memory to bring to fruition his dream of a truly united Nigeria where everyone is his brother’s keeper, a nation that is the pride of Africa, a bastion of democracy, citadel of peace, and an economic giant”.
The Senator prayed God to grant the soul of the deceased a peaceful repose and also comfort the late diplomat’s family and entire nation over the irreparable loss.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of the House of Representatives has described the death of Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule as a monumental loss to the African continent.
Dogara, in statement, issued by his Special Adviser on Media & Public Affairs, Turaki Hassan, said although the late Dan Masanin Kano, was of age, nonetheless the sad news of his death came to him as a shock.
He said the Danmasani was a colossus, patriot, father to all, and a distinguish elder statesman who wrote his name in gold in the annals of Nigeria’s history.
“From struggle for independence, to his stewardship as a Federal MP, Federal Commissioner of public complaints, to his service as Nigeria’s permanent Representative to the United Nations, Alhaji Maitama Sule’ s record of public service was excellent, exemplary and worthy of emulation.
“Even at old age, and faced with health challenges, the late elder statesman never relented in building bridges of friendship, peace and preaching love amongst Nigerians.
“Undoubtedly, he was an icon of peace, transparency, a born orator, patriot and a distinguish statesman who gave his all for the unity and prosperity of Nigeria as one indivisible nation.
“His death is a monumental and huge loss to Nigeria and indeed the African continent in view of his contributions to the struggle against apartheid in South Africa.”
“Unfortunately, Maitama Sule died at a time when his elderly wisdom, experience, and deep sense of patriotism is much needed in our country given the fact that we are passing through a challenging phase in our history as a nation.”
“Our special and heartfelt condolence goes to his immediate family, the people and government of Kano State even as we join all Nigerians and people of goodwill in mourning this monumental loss”, he added.
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