President Muhammadu Buhari has described the death of Senator Ali Wakil from Bauchi State as “an incalculable loss to Nigeria’s democracy whose dedication to duty was remarkable and worthy of emulation.”
The President said that the death of the senator came as a great shock to him, adding that his dedication to duty would remain one of the greatest virtues for which the deceased would be remembered.
According to President Buhari, “the passion for duty was one of the finest qualities of late Senator Wakil,” as he urged other democratically elected leaders to borrow a leaf from the deceased’s record of dedication.
The president, while praying to Allah to bless the soul of the departed senator, also extended his condolences to his family, his colleagues in the National Assembly, as well as the government and people of Bauchi State over this great loss to the country.
Meanwhile, Bauchi State governor, Mohammed Abubakar, has declared 3-day mourning in honour of the late senator.
In a statement by the governor’s spokesman, Ali Ali, the governor also ordered that flags be flown at half mast during the mourning period.
“The Bauchi state government received with deep shock the sudden death of Senator Ali Wakili this morning.
“His passage is a great loss not only to his constituents but the entire nation. His vibrant contributions on the floor of the Senate chamber would be greatly missed. Such interventions have contributed in shaping national discourse.
“The Executive Governor of Bauchi state has therefore, declared three days of mourning during which time flags will fly at half mast.
“He has also suspended all state duties in Abuja and is returning home to mourn after witnessing funeral prayers in the nation’s capital.
“The governor has similarly directed the reduction, by two hours, of closing time of workers during the three days of mourning.
“The governor takes solace in the Quranic injunction that every soul shall taste death and therefore, prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed legislator.
“He also prayed to ALMIGHTY ALLAH to grant the immediate family the fortitude to bear the loss,” the statement added.
