Lawal Kaita’s death: Saraki, Dogara, Tambuwal mourn

President of the Senate, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has described the death of a former governor of old Kaduna State, Alhaji Lawal Kaita, as a great loss not only to Katsina and Kaduna states but to the entire nation.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki described late Kaita as a courageous, experienced and consummate politician, who was always frank in his views and honest in his political activities.

“I consider the death of Alhaji Kaita as a personal loss to me and my family considering his long mutual and beneficial relationship with my late father, Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki, which he graciously extended to me.

“As a father, I benefitted immensely from his wise counsel and support at different times. His death has robbed the nation of a gentleman, fearless and honest politician who thrived on building good relationships for the purpose of better serving his people”, he stated.

Saraki extended his condolences to the immediate family of the late politician, President Muhammadu Buhari, the Emir of Katsina and the people and government of Katsina and Kaduna States. He also prayed the almighty Allah to grant the late elder statesman a place in Aljannah firdaus.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, in his message, expressed sadness over the demise of Alhaji Kaita who died at the age of 85.

In a statement, issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Turaki Hassan, the Speaker described the late elder statesman as a man of outstanding character and a committed Democrat, who devoted his life to working for the development of democracy in Nigeria.

While noting the exploits and positive contributions of the late Alhaji Kaita as a member of Constituent Assembly that midwifed Nigeria’s Constitution and Governor of old Kaduna State, Dogara said he will continue to be remembered for his selfless service, patriotism and abiding faith in the unity and progress of the country.

“Alhaji Lawal Kaita was a very courageous man who left a legacy of service and built bridges of friendship and unity across the north and the country in general.

“He will continue to be honoured and remembered by present and future generations for his dedication to the service of his people during his tenure as a Governor and even after”.

“Painful as his death is, we are however consoled with the fact that Alhaji Kaita left an indelible footprint and legacy of service to the society as well as commitment to the ideals of democracy and nationhood “.

While condoling with the bereaved family, the government and people of Katsina state, Speaker Dogara prayed God Almighty to grant the deceased eternal rest.

In his reaction, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State expressed sadness over the death of Alhaji Lawal Kaita.

In a statement issued by his spokesman, Malam Imam Imam, the Governor said Kaita made invaluable contributions to the development of the country.

“He was an acclaimed pacesetter who, along with other patriotic Nigerians of his generation, fought for the restoration of democracy in Nigeria at the turn of the century. His life is an example in dedication and commitment to democratic norms and values.

“Nigeria will remember the deceased as a man who gave his best years towards the development of multi-party politics. His contributions have enriched governance process at state and federal levels,” he added.

While praying to Allah to grant the deceased eternal rest and his family the fortitude to bear the loss, Tambuwal appealed to both the Kaduna and Katsina state governments to immortalize the deceased for the benefit of future generation.