Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has extended heartfelt condolences to the Kanti Bello’s family as well as the government and people of Katsina state on the death of Senator Mahmud Kanti Bello.
According to a statement issued by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, in Abuja, yesterday, the president also commiserated with the Senate over the passage of their distinguished colleague and former Senate Chief Whip.
The statement recalled that as Senator representing Katsina Central Constituency/Daura Senatorial zone from 2003-2011, the late Senator Bello was a very outspoken and courageous patriot, who worked hard to ensure that all levels of government in the country were responsible and accountable.
The president expressed belief 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.”
Buhari urged Senator Kanti-Bello’s family, friends and associates to honour his memory by continually upholding the values of honesty and accountability, which served as his reference point throughout his public service.
He prayed that Almighty Allah “will comfort all who mourn him and grant his soul eternal rest.”
His death, a loss to democratic struggle – Atiku
In his reaction, former Vice President and chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku Abubakar, has said that the death of Bello was a great loss to the country’s democratic struggle.
He, in a condolence message released by his media office in Abuja yesterday, said he received Bello’s demise with shock.
According to him, the role of Kanti Bello in bringing democracy into being cannot be forgotten in hurry.
He noted that one of Bello’s outstanding virtues was his outspokenness and courage to express his convictions.
“We all belong to the Yar’Adua political family from PFN to SDP and PDP. He was an active mobiliser and real party man,” he said.
The former vice-president noted that whatever might be Kanti Bello’s perceived flaws, he deserves to be given credit for his contributions to the nation’s democratic journey.
The Wazirin Adamawa extended his condolences to the government, the family and the people of Katsina state.
Also, President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, and his immediate predecessor, David Mark, have expressed grief over the death of former Senate Chief Whip, Muhammad Kanti Bello, who passed away yesterday.
In separate statements, they described the Kanti as “an outspoken and courageous legislator,” who was always guided by national interest and that of his community in discharging his legislative responsibilities.
