Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has described the deaths of Ondo state Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu SAN and a former Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Umar Gali Na’Abba as tragic.
In a statement on Wednesday, Governor Bello described Akeredolu as a preeminent and forward-thinking progressive leader. whose transformative impact as the President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) in 2008 remains indelible.
He noted that Akeredolu’s unwavering commitment and dedication in steering the ship of democracy and good governance during his seven-year tenure as the Governor of Ondo are acknowledged with deep admiration.
Recalling Akeredolu’s role as a senior governor-colleague and statesman, Governor Bello emphasized the invaluable wise counsel and kind guidance that significantly contributed to the enhancement of the Governors Forum’s leadership and democratic institutions in Nigeria.
“I received the sad news of the death of my elder brother and senior colleague, His Excellency Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, with a deep sense of grief. Akeredolu was not just a senior governor-colleague but also a statesman whose wisdom and kind guidance have profoundly impacted my leadership, in addition to his invaluable contributions specifically in the Governors Forum and the democratic institution in Nigeria over the years.
“This is a great loss to all of us, the people of Ondo State, and Nigeria in general. God gives life and takes at His will. May the heavens receive the soul of my brother with the generosity and kindness he showered on humanity over the years,” he said.
Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, CON, born on 21 July 1956 in Owo, sadly passed on in early hours of Wednesday after an illness.
Governor Bello also expressed profound sorrow as he described the untimely passing of the former Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Rt Hon Umar Gali Na’abba, as not only tragic but an immense loss to the entire nation.
Governor Bello extended heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of the departed, as well as to the people and government of Kano State, lamenting the unfortunate demise of a stalwart figure in Nigeria’s legislative history.
In conveying his condolences, Governor Bello acknowledged Na’abba’s influence as one of the country’s most impactful and revered national legislators, whose wealth of experience will be soley missed
He described Na’abba as a commendable lawmaker who embodied a spectrum of virtues crucial for effective governance and representation as he demonstrated unwavering integrity, upholding the highest ethical standards, ensuring transparency and trust in his legislative pursuits.
He noted that Na’abba as Speaker of the House of Representatives guided his colleagues with vision and inspires collaboration toward collective goals and prioritised the well-being of constituents over personal interests.
The Governor reflects on Na’abba’s significant contributions as renowned parliamentarian with admiration and respect while underscoring the invaluable role he played in shaping the legislative landscape of the nation. In this moment of grief, Governor Bello expresses solidarity with the bereaved family and the people of Kano State, urging them to take solace in the exemplary life and tremendous impact Na’abba made on humanity.
Born September 1958, Rt Hon Umar Ghali Na’abba served as the 8th Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria from 1999 to 2003. He passed away early hours on Wednesday at the age of 65.
