President Goodluck Jonathan on
Tuesday said he received with sadness, news of the death of a prominent
politician and elder statesman, Alhaji Umaru Dikko.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, the President extended commiserations to the family, friends and political associates of the former Minister of Transport during the Second Republic who he said also played a leading role in the National Party of Nigeria which controlled the Federal Government in that dispensation.
Jonathan said he joined them in mourning the renowned political leader who, in spite of advanced age, continued to actively contribute to the nurturing and strengthening of democracy in Nigeria until the end of his life.
The statement read in part: “President Jonathan firmly believes that Alhaji Umaru Dikko’s significant contributions, especially his life-long advocacy for stronger political parties, greater discipline within political parties and the supremacy of political parties have assured him of a place in the annals of Nigeria’s political development.
“He prays that God Almighty will receive Alhaji Umaru Dikko’s soul and grant him eternal rest.”
Also the Northern States Governors Form has described the death of Dikko as a further depletion in the ranks of leaders from the North with exemplary leadership skills, adding that it was time for sober reflection.
The Chairman of the forum and governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu, who spoke on behalf of the forum in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Israel A. Ebije, said the growing number of prominent Nigerians only suggests that the younger generation must step into the shoes of departed leaders.
Aliyu said the nation will sorely miss the late Dikko especially in the direction of his wealth of experience as a politician.
He said, “This is indeed another sad episode to the already challenging times Nigeria is passing through as a country.
“The demise of our leaders, should remind us that the place of the youths is now, not tomorrow. The youths of today must therefore show signs of leadership by eschewing violence, steering clear of sentiments and avoid ethno-religious balkanisation of the country so that we can grow Nigeria to attain its position in the committee of nations.”
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, the President extended commiserations to the family, friends and political associates of the former Minister of Transport during the Second Republic who he said also played a leading role in the National Party of Nigeria which controlled the Federal Government in that dispensation.
Jonathan said he joined them in mourning the renowned political leader who, in spite of advanced age, continued to actively contribute to the nurturing and strengthening of democracy in Nigeria until the end of his life.
The statement read in part: “President Jonathan firmly believes that Alhaji Umaru Dikko’s significant contributions, especially his life-long advocacy for stronger political parties, greater discipline within political parties and the supremacy of political parties have assured him of a place in the annals of Nigeria’s political development.
“He prays that God Almighty will receive Alhaji Umaru Dikko’s soul and grant him eternal rest.”
Also the Northern States Governors Form has described the death of Dikko as a further depletion in the ranks of leaders from the North with exemplary leadership skills, adding that it was time for sober reflection.
The Chairman of the forum and governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu, who spoke on behalf of the forum in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Israel A. Ebije, said the growing number of prominent Nigerians only suggests that the younger generation must step into the shoes of departed leaders.
Aliyu said the nation will sorely miss the late Dikko especially in the direction of his wealth of experience as a politician.
He said, “This is indeed another sad episode to the already challenging times Nigeria is passing through as a country.
“The demise of our leaders, should remind us that the place of the youths is now, not tomorrow. The youths of today must therefore show signs of leadership by eschewing violence, steering clear of sentiments and avoid ethno-religious balkanisation of the country so that we can grow Nigeria to attain its position in the committee of nations.”
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