SAN FRANCISCO, August 29, (THEWILL) – President Muhammadu Buhari has extended heartfelt condolences to the Kanti-Bello family as well as the government and people of Katsina State on the death of Senator Mahmud Kanti-Bello, 72, who passed away on Tuesday in Abuja.
The President, in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, also commiserated with the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria over the passage of their distinguished colleague and former Senate Chief Whip, who served two-terms in the upper legislative chamber on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
President Buhari recalled that, as Senator representing Katsina North Senatorial District/Daura Senatorial zone from 2003-2011, the late Senator was a very outspoken and courageous patriot, who worked hard to ensure that all levels of government in the country were responsible and accountable.
He believed that Senator Bello’s effective representation of his people at the national level and commitment to the unity of Nigeria will be long remembered and honoured; and will continue to serve as inspiration to many others.
The President prayed that Almighty Allah will comfort all who mourn him and grant his soul eternal rest.
Similarly, the President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, and the immediate past President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, have expressed grief over the death of the late senator.
Saraki, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Yusuph Olaniyonu, described late Bello as an outspoken and courageous legislator noting that Bello was always guided by national interest and that of his community in discharging his legislative responsibilities.
“With the death of Sen. Kanti Bello, the Senate and indeed the National Assembly has lost a reliable adviser. His wise counsel on national issues was always being sought by both the leadership and individual senators.
“During his stay in the Senate, late Bello was known for his outspokenness, forthrightness and courage in telling the truth to those in power without attaching any partisan, religious or tribal sentiments,” he said.
Mark described late Bello, as a pragmatic, courageous and fearless parliamentarian who would be sorely missed adding that late lawmaker’s exit has created a vacuum in the contemporary politics of Nigeria.
He stated that death is an inevitable end that will come when it shall but Bello’s death is particularly painful as it came at a time when his wealth of experience and knowledge would have been needed to navigate through the murky political waters.
“Bello was a vibrant and fearless parliamentarian who identified with the ordinary people in the society. He dislikes and abhors oppression. He believes in the rule of law and justice for all,” he stated.
“We are however consoled that Bello left a robust and excellent legacy of service to country and humanity worthy of emulation.
“In all his political and professional career, Bello made the citizens the focal point of his services. His death at this time is a monumental loss.”
