President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday expressed grief and sympathised with the family, the government, and the people of Kano State over the passing of a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Na’Abba.
Na’Abba, according to family sources, died on Wednesday in Abuja after a protracted ailment. He was aged 65.
Na’Abba’s corpse was flown into the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport from Abuja and was received by family members, friends and top government functionaries around 3 pm.
The corpse was then conveyed to the Emir’s palace for a funeral prayer and was buried at about 5:30 pm at Dandolo Cemetery Goron-Dutse, Gwale Local Government Area.
The late Na’Abba joined the Peoples Democratic Party and became the party’s candidate for Kano Municipal Federal Constituency, a position he subsequently won during the April 1999 general elections.
He emerged as Speaker of the House of Representatives after the political crisis that dethroned the first Speaker of the Fourth Republic, Salisu Buhari.
Na’Abba was a graduate of Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University.
Tinubu, in his condolence message to the family, issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, described Na’Abba as a ‘disciplined and resolute politician.’
The President recalled the contributions of the late ex-lawmaker to ‘nation-building through legislation, advocacy, and policy’ and his ‘struggle to defend the functionality and role of the legislature in governance .’
Tinubu prayed for the repose of the departed’s soul and comfort for those who mourn him.
Also, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, expressed sadness over Na’Abba’s death.
Ganduje, in his condolences to the Na’Abba family issued by his Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, described Na’Abba as a thoroughbred politician and legislator who meant well for the country.
“His rich experiences and doggedness even when faced with the risk of impeachment were contributory to whatever achievements we recorded at the National Assembly today. He diligently served Nigeria. His wit, intellect, diligence and warm personality were legendary,” Ganduje stated.
Also, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, said it was saddening for the nation to lose Na’Abba, who served as the eighth Speaker from 1999 to 2003, at this time in its history.
Akpabio described the former speaker as a patriot, selfless politician, and true democrat who sacrificed his ambition by repelling dictatorship and instituting the independence of the Legislature.
“We, at the National Assembly and in fact, all Nigerians of goodwill and advocates of true democratic ethos hold you in high esteem. We will always remember that you were one politician who practised what you preached,” he said.
Similarly, the Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau, in a condolence message, said, “ Throughout his tenure as Speaker of the House of Representatives and even after he promoted and defended the country’s Constitution. This was what endeared the late Speaker to all.”
Also, the 13th Speaker of the House of Representatives from 2015 to 2019, Yakubu Dogara, described Na’abba as “a rare gem and a leader like no other.”
Additional reports: Adebayo Folorunsho-Francis and Gbenga Oloniniran
