Maitama Sule: Dogara mourns

THE Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Yakubu Dogara on Monday 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 and made available to newsmen in Abuja said although the late Dan Masanin Kano, was of age, nonetheless the sad news of his death came to him as a shock.

The Speaker said the Danmasani was a colossus, patriot, father to all, and a distinguished elder statesman who wrote his name in gold in the annals of Nigeria’s history.

According to him, “From struggle for independence, to his stewardship as a 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.”