By Following the announcement of the death of elder statesman, Alhaji (Dr) Yusuf Maitama Sule, Nigeria has been thrown in a mourning state and Tuesday, 4th of July, has been declared work-free in Kano State in honour of the patriot as he will be laid to rest in Kano by 1600hr.
Sympathizing with the families and relatives of the elder statesman, condolence messages from leaders and other statesmen have been sent, describing his demise as a great loss for the country. President Muhammadu Buhari in his condolence letter to Kano State Governor, expressed shock over the news of Maitama Sule’s death, he described the late statesman as a famous son of the country.
“I have heard this morning, the death of the venerable Alhaji Maitama Sule, Dan Masanin Kano, and one of Nigeria’s famous sons. Although, I knew he was in poor health for some time, his death nonetheless, came as a profound shock.
“As a Minister in the First Republic, he was one of those who assisted our Founding Fathers, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Alhaji Ahmadu Bello and Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, to fashion Nigeria politically and lay the grounds of national co-existence.
The continued by describing Maitama Sule has an outstanding speaker with a wonderful voice and eloquent command of words. President Buhari recalled late Maitama Sule’s service years, describing it has distinctive.
“Maitama Sule was blessed by God with a wonderful voice and outstanding eloquence. He served with distinction in the First Republic, the Second Military regime, as well as the Second Republic, without him being tainted with the remotest hint of scandal.
“As a person, I found him personable with unceasing good humour. Nothing personified his faith more than the fact that on losing his sight, he did not retreat in himself sulking on account of his ill-fortune. Quite to the contrary, he honoured virtually all invitations extended to him and spoke as usual with singular eloquence and unparalleled wit.
“In my discussions with him, I greatly valued his counsel, and I never ceased to be amazed by his concern for the well-being of his country rather than his personal interests.
“Let me extend my sincere condolences to Your Excellency, family and friends, the Government and people of Kano, and Nigerians as a whole, for this most heavy loss. We shall not soon see the like of him. May God forgive his sins and admit him to Paradise, Amin.”
Correspondent: Olayiwola A. Ridwan