Saraki, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yusuph Olaniyonu, said: “With the death of Senator Kanti Bello, the Senate and indeed the National Assembly has lost a reliable adviser whose wise counsel on national issues was always being sought by both the leadership and individual senators.
“During his stay in the Senate, late Kanti Bello was known for his outspokenness, forthrightness and courage in telling truth to those in power without attaching any partisan, religious or tribal sentiments.”
He added that the late Bello’s wise counsel, insight and forthrightness would be sorely missed by the Senate, his community and the entire country.
While sympathising with the immediate family of the late Senator, his friends, constituents and the government and people of Katsina state, Saraki prayed that the Almighty Allah “will grant him aljannah firdaus.”
He was a fearless parliamentarian – Mark
Mark, in his tribute issued by his Media assistant, Paul Mumeh, said
Bello’s death was 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.
“In all his political and professional careers, Bello made the citizens the focal point of his services. His death at this time is a monumental loss.”
He symbolised patriotism, democratic ideals – Dogara
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, said the late Kanti Bello was a man who lived his life for the service of the nation, and condoled with Katsina state over the loss.
The Speaker, who expressed sadness at the demise of Bello, described the loss of the elder statesman as “painful,” saying he was an embodiment of patriotism and democratic ideals.
“Alhaji Kanti Bello was a grassroots politician who served the country meritoriously in many capacities, including that of distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He left behind a legacy of patriotism and service.
“I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the people and government of Katsina state, and indeed the entire country over the loss of such a great Nigerian,” Dogara said in a statement by his spokesman, Turaki Hassan, yesterday.
His death a big loss to Katsina – Masari
Katsina state Governor, Aminu bello Masari, has mourned the passing on of Senator Muhammadu kanti Bello, describing it as “a big loss to Katsina state in particular and the country in general.”
In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant, Media, Abdu Labaran Malumfashi, the governor lauded his contribution to the country.
“It is with total submission to the Will of Allah (SWT) and deep sense of loss that I received the sad news of the death of Engr. Muhammadu Kanti Bello today in the morning.
“The death of Engineer Kanti, as he was fondly referred, is a big loss not only to his family or Katsina state, but to Nigeria as a whole in view of his tremendous contribution, both as a renown engineer and a sound politician, to the development of Nigeria.
“A renowned engineer, under whose leadership as pioneer General Manager, Katsina Steel Rolling Company (KSRC) peaked as the leading steel rolling company in Nigeria, late Kanti has also left indelible marks on the nation’s political map.
“As a two-term Senator of the Federal Republic, Engineer Kanti had made Katsina, the North and Nigeria in general proud by his robust and eloquent contributions on many germane issues in debates on the floor of the Senate.
“A highly patriotic Nigerian, he was very passionate about Katsina State and Nigeria to such a degree that he was always ready to offer his services in whatever capacity if doing so would advance the interest of the nation.
“His death at this challenging time has surely robed the nation of one of its vibrant political voices.
“On behalf of myself, the government and people of Katsina state, I sincerely condole the family, friends and associates of Engineer Kanti Bello, even as I pray to Allah (SWT) to forgive him his shortcomings, grant him eternal rest and give the family the fortitude to bear the loss.”
