We’ve lost an epitome of democracy, good governance – Dogara

By Grace Udofia

KATSINA—THE remains of the late former Governor of old Kaduna State, Alhaji Lawal Kaita, were yesterday laid to rest in his country home in Katsina State.

Kaita’s corpse was brought to the Emir of Katsina’s palace at 1:50pm in an ambulance of the Orthopaedic and Speciality Hospital, Katsina State.

Late Lawal Kaita

Deputy Chief Imam of Katsina Central Mosque, Malam Mustapha Ratibi, who represented the Chief Imam, Muhammad Lawal,  led the funeral prayer at the Emir’s palace at 2:10pm and afterwards the corpse was conveyed to Danmarna burial ground where he was laid to rest.

Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika led the Federal Government delegation, which included the Minister of Defence, Brigadier-General Mannir Dan Ali, Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu Kazaure and Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, Alhaji Garba Shehu.

Meanwhile, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, expressed sadness over the demise of Kaita, who he said ‘’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.”

In a statement, 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 politician as a member of Constituent Assembly that midwifed Nigeria’s Constitution and Governor of old Kaduna State, Dogara said he would be remembered for his selfless service, patriotism and abiding faith in the unity and progress of the country.

He said: “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.

Speaking with newsmen, Sirika described the late Kaita as a patriot and a true Nigerian, who believed in the Nigerian project, lived by it, taught it and caused other people to follow it.

“It is not only a loss for Katsina, it is indeed a loss for black Africa. Indeed, Muhammadu Lawal Kaita was eminent, he has such an imposing personality in his life time.

“We will miss him, we will rever him, we will honour him. He is a man of honour and dignity. He was a true royal son. He was indeed worthy of being emulated.

“The advice is that all and sundry should copy the lifestyle of Alhaji Muhammadu Lawal Kaita. A true politician, who lived by his words and dictates, who believed in the majority, fairness, equity and justice. We have seen it in him, he had taught us and we will continue to live by his examples,” Sirika said.

Former Deputy Governor to Ibrahim Shehu Shema, Barrister Abdullahi Faskari said the death of Lawal Kaita has created a vacuum that cannot be filled.

“He was an elder statesman and certainly his demise will create a vacuum not only in Katsina State but also throughout the federation. We have lost a father, an elder statesman, a mentor, an adviser and everything. I don’t think of having a replacement because you cannot have another Muhammadu Lawal Kaita.

Son of Lawal Kaita’s classmate (Ibrahim Abubakar) in Barewa College, Captain Yaya Abubakar, described the former governor as a peace builder.

He said: “Whoever knows late Lawal Kaita knows was a person who liked to unite the people and nation to live in peace with one another.’’

The Emir of Katsina, Dr. Abdulmumini Kabir Usman expressed gratitude of the people of the state to the President for sympathizing with them over the loss of one of their sons.

Represented by the Kauran Katsina and District Head of Rimi, Nuhu Abdulkadir thanked everyone who came to commiserate with the family and the state over Kaita’s death.

Dignitaries at the burial included; Lamido Adamawa, Barkindo Aliyu Mustapha; Emir of Daura, Dr. Umar Faruq Umar; Katsina State Deputy Governor, Mannir Yakubu; former President of NPAN, Samaila Isa Funtua; Director General of SMEDAN, Dr. Dikko Radda; former Katsina Deputy Governor, Bar. Abubakar Garba Faskari; business tycoon, Alhaji Aminu Dantata; former Katsina Deputy Governor, Tukur Jikamshi.

Others are National Secretary, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Senator Umar Tsauri and Katsina State PDP Chairman, Salisu Majigiri.

Members representing Kankia, Kusada and Ingawa Federal Constituencies at the House of Representatives, Hon. Ahmed Babba Kaita and Madawakin Majindadi, Alhaji Sani Lawal and all other district heads were also there.

Ambassador Yahaya Kwande led a delegation that represented former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.