Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki and the Nigeria Governors Forum have expressed shock at the news of the death of elder statesman, the Dan Masanin Kano, Alhaji (Dr.) Yusuf Maitama Sule, and said that with his death, Nigeria has lost a great nationalist.
Saraki, in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, described the late Sule as a detribalized Nigerian who spoke truth to power at all times during his lifetime.
He described the late Sule as an avowed and highly respected personality, core democrat, fearless politician, exceptional orator and an accomplished public servant.
In a statement on behalf of the 36 state governors the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Zamfara State, Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar said the demise of the Dan Masanin Kano, Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule, was a great loss to the Nigerian people and to Kano state, its peoples and its emirate council in particular
Describing the deceased as an astute politician, administrator and orator who has impacted the nation positively in various spheres of human endeavor, Abubakar said the nation will hardly recover from the loss of such a wise fella who passion for national development is unquenchable.
While commiserating with the immediate family of the deceased, the Emir of Kano, the government and people of Kano State over the irreparable loss, the Senate President noted that it was gratifying that the late Sule lived long to, as one of those who fought for the nation’s independence, witness the modest achievements of Nigeria as a nation.
As a mark of respect for the late Dan Masanin Kano, Saraki urged Nigerians to toe the path of dialogue in addressing their grievances and eschew ethnic tensions as embodied by the late former minister, saying that, “this is the highest respect we will pay to his legacies”.
He called on both the Federal and the Kano State Governments to immortalize the great icon of peace and an advocate of justice and fairness.
He stated that the deceased would be sorely missed for his knowledge, political sagacity, philanthropy, oratory and courage.
Saraki said: “The news of the demise of Alhaji Maitama Sule, came to me with shock. This is one man that has become a permanent feature in the politics of the country, beginning from first republic when he was appointed a minister at his youthful age.
“Through sheer oratory, the name Maitama Sule had become synonymous with wit and wisdom. He never minced words when speaking against ills in society and how to curb them.
“He would remain an inspiration to both present and forthcoming generations on the lessons of tolerance, unity, and peaceful coexistence. He left at a time his wise counsel is in dire need to navigate our way out of current challenges confronting the country. I pray the Almighty Allah to grant his soul aljannah firdaus and his family the fortitude to bear the loss,” he said.
Describing the late Yusuf Maitama Sule as an orator and former diplomat who was also a complete gentleman and good citizen, Abubakar said that the Nigeria Governors Forum and indeed all the governors of the country had always relied on the Dan Masanin Kano, Alhaji Maitama Sule as a close confidant.
“Our country has lost a rare gem. Dan Masani was a leading light of the old generation and with his demise the last of that generation has now been finally extinguished. He was a complete gentleman whose honesty, commitment and dedication to the unity of Nigeria will forever be cherished.
“Dan Masani’s name will continue to be identified with everything positive about Nigeria and its people. Whenever the future generation reads about Dan Masani, they will encounter a man who was cherished and respected by the high and mighty from all parts of the country,” the statement added.
While praying to almighty Allah to give his family the strength to bear the loss, Yari Abubakar extended his condolences to Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano, the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II and the entire people of Kano State over the loss.
