By Hon Alfa Tijani.
A Chairmanship aspirant in Igalamela-Odolu local government area of Kogi State, Alhaji Sule Atawodi, has expressed shock and sadness over the death of a prominent leader in Ajaka, Muhammed Suleman James.
Atawodi made this known in a statement during a condolence visit on the family of the deceased at Ajaka.
He described the deceased Muhammed as a courageous, dedicated, loyal, vocal and patriotic Nigerian who love his people back home.
“Late Muhammed inspired the youths with his noble words and helped to bring about the drastic reduction in acts thuggery. He awakened the conscience of his fellow elders and helped to make thuggery appear unacceptable”, he said.
“The deceased is loved in every part of Kogi State and played a very active role in Kogi’s fight for quality governance. He is seen by other statesmen as the voice and conscience of the Kogites. He was one of the leading voices in the call for true leadership. He has also been the political father of many young and upcoming politicians in the state, giving them advice and whipping them into line when they go astray.
He said the people of Kogi State and indeed other Nigerians would sorely miss the political sagacity, organizational ability and administrative wizardry of the late Muhammed Suleiman James, which placed him above his peers in the political circle.
He stated that the sudden death was both a huge shock and a big loss to the state and urged the eldest son, Hon Adamu Ciroma and the entire family to take solace in the exemplary character of the deceased while he was alive.
Muhammed Suleiman James was a shining example of humility and philanthropy, as he shared virtually everything he had with the needy, irrespective of where they came from.
He prayed for God to grant the soul of the deceased eternal rest and the bereaved family the grace to bear the irreparable loss.
“I will miss his wise counsel, generous disposition and expression of love”, he said.
