Abbas, Ganduje Mourn Na’Abba

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, have expressed their condolences on the death of former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Umar Na’Abba.

Abbas in a statement issued Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, described Na’Abba as a lawmaker par excellence.

Speaker Abbas said the late ex-Speaker was a dedicated, committed and patriotic Nigerian who served his fatherland with zeal.

The former Speaker reportedly died in the early hours of Wednesday at the age of 65. He represented Kano Municipal Federal Constituency of Kano State.

He became the Speaker following the resignation of Salisu Buhari shortly after the inception of the 4th Assembly in 1999.

Abbas said the late Na’Abba was one of the finest lawmakers to have served in the National Assembly.

He recalled how Na’Abba had an eventful tenure as the Speaker of the 4th House, noting that his legislative exploits shaped Nigeria’s democracy.

He said during Na’Abba’s tenure, the ex-Speaker brought unity and stability to the House, leading to the members of the House to take some landmark decisions in furtherance of the country’s democratic journey.

Abass said: “Rt. Hon. Ghali Na’Abba was a special breed as a lawmaker. He showed leadership as Speaker of the 4th House. He inspired members of the House under his leadership in many ways. Furthermore, he championed the first and only successful veto of a sitting president, leading to the establishment of the NDDC.

“Long after his exit from the parliament, he remained active politically and continued to encourage and motivate us all. He will be sorely missed.

“Indeed, we have lost a great Nigerian; a legislative pillar. My heart goes out to the Na’Abba family. My prayers are with them at this moment of grief,” Speaker Abbas added.

Also, Ganduje described Na’Abba as a thoroughbred politician and legislator who meant well for the country.

Ganduje, in a statement issued Wednesday by his Press Secretary, Mr Edwin Olofu, recalled the pivotal role played by Na’Abba when he served as the Speaker of the House of Representatives to entrench the independence of the legislative arm of government even in the face of provocation by top operatives of the executive arm.

“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,” he said.

The Chairman prayed to Allah to grant him Aljana Firdaus and grant the entire members of the Na’Abba family, the people of Kano State and Nigeria at large the fortitude to bear his irreparable loss.

Born on September 27, 1958, the late Na’Abba attended Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he studied Political Science and graduated in 1979.