Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari and Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki have joined other great Nigerians to extend heartfelt condolences to the Kanti-Bello family as well as the government and people of Katsina State on the death of Senator Mahmud Kanti-Bello.
President Buhari, according to his spokesman, Femi Adesina in a statement on Tuesday, also commiserated with the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria over the passage of their distinguished colleague and former Senate Chief Whip, who served two-terms in the upper legislative chamber.
As Senator representing Katsina Central Constituency/Daura Senatorial zone from 2003-2011, President Buhari recalled that the late Senator Bello was a very outspoken and courageous patriot, who worked hard to ensure that all levels of government in the country were responsible and accountable.
Said Adesina “The President believes that Senator Bello’s effective representation of his people at the national level and commitment to the unity of Nigeria will be long remembered and honoured; and will continue to serve as inspiration to many others.”
President Buhari also urged Senator Kanti-Bello’s family, friends and associates to honour his memory by continually upholding the values of honesty and accountability, which served as his reference point throughout his public service.
Meanwhile, the President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki has expressed grief over the death of the former Senate Chief Whip.
The deceased who served in the Senate for two terms represented Katsina North Senatorial District between 2003 and 2011 under the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki described late Bello as an outspoken and courageous legislator, who was always guided by national interest and that of his community in discharging his legislative responsibilities.
“With the death of Senator Kanti Bello, the Senate and indeed the National Assembly has lost a reliable adviser whose wise counsel on national issues was always being sought by both the leadership and individual Senators.
“During his stay in the Senate, late Kanti Bello was known for his outspokenness, forthrightness and courage in telling truth to those in power without attaching any partisan, religious or tribal sentiments”, Saraki stated.
The President of the Senate, according to the statement believes that Senator Bello’s wise counsel, insight and forthrightness would be sorely missed by the Senate, his community and the entire country.
While sympathizing with the immediate family of the late Senator, his friends, constituents and the government and people of Katsina State, Saraki prayed that the Almighty Allah will grant him aljannah firdaus.
Packaged by Olayinka Agboola
