Akwe-Doma laid to rest amidst tears

TENS of Thousands of mourners gathered at the Islamia Primary School, Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa, on Sunday, to bid farewell to the immediate past Governor of the state, Aliyu Akwe-Doma, amidst tears.

Aliyu Akwe-Doma who was Nasarawa State Governor between 2008 and 2011 died on March 6 at the age of 75 after an undisclosed ailment in Isreal.

The body of the former governor arrived the prayer ground at about 11:00 am for final Islamic prayers led by Chief Imam of Doma, Hassan Jibril.

Akwe-Doma was afterwards taken to his family compound in Doma town for final burial amidst tears from thousands of sympathizers who gathered at the venue.

Earlier, Governor Umaru Almakura described the death of the immediate past governor as a monumental loss to the country.

Almakura who made this known through a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary Musa Elayo, said, the elder-statesman was a point of reference for stability, consensus and nation building.

The statement said the vacuum created by the departure of the former governor would be hard to fill.

“He was a dedicated bridge builder and champion of unity, whom through his vast experience and uncommon goodwill has brought peace and prosperity to former Plateau and present-day Nasarawa state where he served as deputy governor and governor respectively”.

“As a frontline public servant, he promoted values which enhanced our firm belief in our common humanity as a people with one destiny under God.

“As an architect of unity, he defended and promoted our rich cultural heritage for which he will be greatly missed by all” he stated further.

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Dignitaries present at the burial ceremony were: Senator Presenting Nasarawa West at the National Assembly, Abdullahi Adamu, Senator representing Nasarawa South, Suleiman Adokwe, Nasarawa State Traditional council of chiefs, and other top government functionaries within and outside the state.