Ex-Bauchi deputy gov, Sule Katagum dies at 69

Arch. Audu Sule Katagum, the former Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, has passed away at the age of 69.

He reportedly died on Saturday.

Katagum served as Deputy Governor under former Governor Barr. Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, SAN, from 2018 to 2019, following the resignation of the previous Deputy Governor.

The unfortunate news was announced by Shamsuddeen Lukman Abubakar, the digital and creative media aide to former Governor.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Lukman stated, “Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Raji’un. It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Arch. Audu Sule Katagum, Wazirin Katagum and former Deputy Governor of Bauchi State.”

He further wrote: “The deceased passed away in the early hours of today (Saturday) after a life of dedicated service to his community, Bauchi State and the nation”.

“May Almighty Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus, and give his family, friends and associates the fortitude to bear this great loss. Ameen,” he prayed.

A respected politician and traditional title holder, Abdul Sule Katagum was the Wazirin Katagum.

Also, before his appointment as Deputy Governor, he served as Chief of Staff at the Bauchi State Government House. He is survived by his wife, children, and other relatives.

Late Katagum was the son of late elder statesman, Alhaji Sule Katagum, the first chairman of Nigeria’s Federal Public Service Commission, who also held the traditional title of Wazirin Katagum.

His death has been described as a great loss to Katagum Emirate and the wider Bauchi State, where he was widely respected for his contributions to public service and community development.

Meanwhile, Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, on behalf of his family, the Government, and the good people of Bauchi State, expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Arc. Audu Sule Katagum, Wazirin Katagum and former Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, whose death has created a deep vacuum in the state’s political, professional, and traditional landscape.

Bala Mohammed described the late elder statesman who died in the early hours of Saturday at Nizamiye Hospital, Abuja as, “A loyal public servant, a distinguished professional, and a patriotic son of Bauchi State who dedicated his life to the service of humanity and the advancement of his people with remarkable humility, dedication, and decorum.’

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The Governor recalled with admiration the invaluable contributions of Alhaji Audu Sule Katagum during his tenure as Deputy Governor under the administration of former Governor, Barr Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, SAN and Chairman Governing Board of the Adamu Tafawa Balewa College of Education, Kangere during the current administration, where he demonstrated exceptional commitment to good governance, stability, and the overall development of Bauchi State.

The Governor also noted that beyond politics and public service, the deceased distinguished himself as an accomplished Architectural Engineer whose professional expertise contributed significantly to the physical growth and infrastructural development of Bauchi State.

Through his knowledge, experience, and dedication to excellence, he played an important role in promoting sustainable development and advancing the state’s built environment, leaving behind enduring legacies that will continue to benefit future generations.

The Governor further extoled the late Wazirin Katagum for his wisdom, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the unity and progress of Bauchi State. His counsel, leadership, and devotion to duty earned him respect across political, traditional, and social divides.

While mourning this great loss, Bala Mohammed urged the family, associates, the Katagum Emirate, and the entire people of Bauchi State to take solace in the exemplary life and noble accomplishments of the deceased, whose contributions to society will remain indelible in the annals of the state’s history.

On behalf of the Government and people of Bauchi State, the Governor extended his heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of the deceased, the Emir of Katagum, the Katagum Emirate Council, friends, associates, and all those affected by this great loss.

He prayed that the Almighty Allah (SWT), in His infinite mercy, will forgive the shortcomings of the departed soul, rewards his good deeds and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus, as contained in a statement signed by Mukhtar Gidado, Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Governor.