Buhari writes Kano govt on Maitama Sule’s demise

THE Presidency on Monday said that President Muhammadu Buhari has sent a personal letter of condolence to the Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, in which he expressed profound shock over the death of elder statesman, Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule.

According to a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant on media and publicity, Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Monday, Buhari personally signed the letter in which he described the death of Alhaji Sule as a “heavy loss”.

It said the letter will be delivered by the federal government delegation to the burial as constituted by the Acting President Yemi Osinbajo.

According to the statement, the President’s letter reads thus:

“I have heard this morning, the death of the venerable Alhaji Maitama Sule, Dan Masanin Kano, and one of Nigeria’s famous sons. Although, I knew he was in poor health for some time, his death nonetheless, came as a profound shock.

“As a Minister in the First Republic, he was one of those who assisted our Founding Fathers, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Alhaji Ahmadu Bello and Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, to fashion Nigeria politically and lay the grounds of national co-existence.

“Maitama Sule was blessed by God with a wonderful voice and outstanding eloquence. He served with distinction in the First Republic, the Second Military regime, as well as the Second Republic, without him being tainted with the remotest hint of scandal.

“As a person, I found him personable with unceasing good humour. Nothing personified his faith more than the fact that on losing his sight, he did not retreat in himself sulking on account of his ill-fortune. Quite to the contrary, he honoured virtually all invitations extended to him and spoke as usual with singular eloquence and unparalleled wit.

“In my discussions with him, I greatly valued his counsel, and I never ceased to be amazed by his concern for the well-being of his country rather than his personal interests.

“Let me extend my sincere condolences to Your Excellency, family and friends, the Government and people of Kano, and Nigerians as a whole, for this most heavy loss. We shall not soon see the like of him. May God forgive his sins and admit him to Paradise, Amin.”

In his own reaction to the elder statesman’s death, Acting President Osinbajo said he received with profound sorrow the news of the passing away earlier today of Sule who he described as orator, elder-statesman, distinguished diplomat and the Danmasinin Kano.

According to a statement issued by his spokesman, Laolu Akande, in Abuja on Monday, Osinbajo also extended deep and heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, associates and the government of Kano State, praying that the Almighty God will comfort all.

The statement recalled that the one-time Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Federal Minister in the first republic, is best remembered on the global scene, as one of our country’s foremost envoys whose clarity of voice and vision contributed significantly to the high esteem and respect Nigeria earned at the United Nations.

It added that Osinbajo also remembers Sule as an illustrious son of Nigeria, noting that his death was a loss to the nation.

The Acting President further observed that the deceased was a great Nigerian leader and committed nationalist, who positioned himself as an agent of unity.

The statement added: “Even as he advanced gracefully in age, he was always prepared to reach out to other leaders of thought across the country in the noble quest for unity, tolerance and national cohesion.

“He did not waver in lending his voice to the promotion of moderation in national discourse, and his graceful conduct thereto would be sorely missed.”

According to the Acting President, Sule never relented in applying his wealth of experience to advance the cause of unity, peace and progress of Nigeria, and his fatherly counsel to those in authority had always been bold, sincere and untainted.

While commending his patriotic fervour, and passionate zeal for public service, Osinbajo recalled Sule’s “unparalleled dedication to duty as a formidable diplomat, politician, Minister and acclaimed orator whose well researched and excellently delivered speeches inspired and impressed several Nigerians, including himself (the Acting President).”

Osinbajo urged the octogenarian’s family, friends and associates to be consoled by the fact that his selfless commitment to the stability of Nigeria will not be forgotten and would always be honoured.

“On behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari, the Government and the entire people of Nigeria, the Acting President conveys heartfelt condolences on this loss of a great national asset,” the statement said.

Osinbajo prayer that Allah will bless his memory, grant the family and all of us Nigerians the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.