By Ayo Kehinde with Agency Reports
Federal Government’s delegation on Sunday visited Bauchi to commiserate with the state government and family of Sen. Ali Wakili (APC), member representing Bauchi South, who died on Saturday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the delegation was led by Malam Abba Kyari, Chief of Staff to President Mohammed Buhari.
At the family house of the late Senator, Kyari said they were in the state to commiserate with the family of the deceased and the entire people of the state, over the death of the lawmaker.
“Senator Wakili was a good partner that had been a model to the rest of lawmakers in the country.
“The late Senator was a very devoted and highly committed team player, as well as a fine legislator,” he said.
In his remarks, Gov Mohammed Abubakar of Bauchi described the death of Wakil as a loss, not only to his constituency, but the entire nation.
Other dignitaries who visited residence of the deceased to condole with the family include former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Yayale Ahmed; former FCT Minister, Bala Mohammed; Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu and the current FCT Minister, Mohammed Bello, among others.
The Bauchi state government has declared three days of mourning, during which flags will fly at half-mast and directed that during the period, working hours be reduced by two hours.
Meanwhile, his party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, has expressed “ deepest condolences to his immediate family, the 8th Senate, entire National Assembly, government and people of Bauchi State over the sad and painful loss of the grassroots politician who distinguished himself during his work with the Nigeria Customs Service and politics as a federal lawmaker.
In a statement signed by National Publicity Secretary, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said, “the country has lost one of its most vibrant and patriotic federal lawmakers whose legislative contributions and engagements in the National Assembly touched on the core needs of less privileged Nigerians, particularly through his Chairmanship of the Senate Committee on Poverty Alleviation and social welfare.
“Creditably, to his name is the National Poverty Eradication Commission Bill which he sponsored and was passed by the Senate in 2016.
“A progressive-minded politician, the late Senator Ali Wakili took clear positions on causes and issues in the polity he stood for or opposed, particularly on election reforms, anti-corruption, true federalism, devolution of powers, legislative-executive relations, among others.
“The APC wishes the Almighty Allah grant the late Senator Ali Wakili eternal rest and the family and loved ones the strength to bear the loss.
