Breaking News: Adamu Ciroma dies at 84; Nigeria has lost a legend, says Saraki; Sanusi Daggash mourns

Family sources said the elder statesman died in a Turkish hospital in Abuja, on Thursday after a protracted illness.

He was 84 years old.

The deceased, a founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was Finance Minister under President Olusegun Obasanjo administration from 1999 to 2003.

Senator Sanusi Daggash, a former Minister, further authenticating the news, said in a whatsapp post, “It is with great sadness that we received the demise of our beloved Uncle, Father and Grand Father Mallam Adamu Ciroma Madakin Fika at Turkish Hospital this afternoon(Thursday). May Allah forgive his sins and grant him Aljannah Fidusi Amin. Funeral arrangement will be communicated soon.”

President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, reacting, described the death of Mallam Ciroma, as a monumental loss to the country.Saraki, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu in Abuja, said with the death of Ciroma, Nigeria has lost one of its illustrious sons and highly respected elder statesmen, with vast experience in many spheres of life.

“Although death is painful, but it gladdens my heart that late Ciroma lived a worthy and successful life,” Saraki said. “As a public servant, late Ciroma’s integrity was unparalleled, as a politician, he was unblemished and as a journalist, he was among the finest breed.”

He added: “Indeed there is no word or adjective that will be enough to describe late Ciroma, considering his invaluable contributions to the development of the country.

“We have lost a detribalized Nigerian, bridge builder and a strong pillar for nation’s unity. He will surely be remembered for his forthrightness and integrity. We shall miss him greatly.”

The President of the Senate commiserated with the immediate family of the deceased and the Government and people of Yobe State over the loss.

While calling on the Federal Government to immortalize the late Ciroma by naming a strategic national monument after him, Saraki prayed to Allah to grant the soul of the elder statesman a place among the righteous ones in Aljannah Firdaus,