By Clifford Ndujihe, Dirisu Yakubu & Bashir Bello

IT was rain of tributes, yesterday, for late Second Republic politician and elder statesman, Alhaji Lawal Kaita, who died on Tuesday.

Late Lawal Kaita

Among those who showered tributes on him were former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar; Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, and Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State.

The All Progressives Congress, APC, also poured encomiums on Kaita.

Alhija Atiku Abubakar described the late governor of old Kaduna State as a fearless democrat, whose immense contribution to Nigeria’s democratic processes would be etched in brass.

Atiku said the deceased, who was his political associate, was a man of remarkable virtues, who inspired anyone that came in contact with him.

The ex-Vice President noted that only a few Nigerian politicians possess the courage to disagree with those in power, even as he lauded the late Kaita for keeping faith with his political conviction till the very end.

Atiku explained that the late Kaita was never afraid to speak his mind in pursuit of his principles, including his insistence that political parties must respect internal democracy in order to pass the credibility test.

Atiku, the Waziri Adamawa, noted that the late Kaita had left an unblemished public service record largely because politicians of his generation were motivated by the passion for service.

He recalled that his close association with Kaita was a beneficial experience because he was a man of vast knowledge of politics and its associated intricacies.

While extending his condolences to the government, family and the people of Katsina and Kaduna states, Atiku prayed God to grant the deceased eternal rest in paradise.

Alhaji Kaita was a member of the Constituent Assembly of Nigeria (1977-1978) and was also a Special Assistant to President Shehu Shagari (1980-1982).

He was a founding member of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

A great loss to Nigeria— Saraki

To Senate President, Dr. Saraki, Kaita’s death is a great loss, not only to Katsina and Kaduna states, but also to the entire nation.

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

Saraki added: “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 benefited 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 serving his people better.”

Nigeria has lost a patriotic son— Masari

Governor Masari of Katsina State expressed sadness over Kaita’s demise, saying Nigeria has lost a patriotic son, who had contributed immensely to the development of contemporary politics in Nigeria.

Governor Masari, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Abdu Malumfashi, described the deceased as one of the most accommodating, generous and refined politicians the nation has produced, adding that politics will never be the same without the jocular banter of Kaita.

According to the governor, “Katsina State, and indeed the nation at large, will miss the wise counsel of Alhaji Lawal Kaita.

“For Alhaji Lawal Kaita, politics was never a do-or-die affair, but a vehicle for service to the people. On behalf of the good people of Katsina State, I condole with President Muhammadu Buhari, the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumin Kabir Usman, and the immediate family of the deceased.

“May Allah forgive all his shortcomings and grant him eternal rest, and grant his family the fortitude to bear the loss.”

 APC, too

Also, the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, mourned the late politician, saying Kaita was a courageous and principled leader, who stood firm and fearlessly canvassed causes he believed in.

The party fondly recalls his outstanding tenure and service as member of the 1994–1995 Constitutional Conference; leader of Peoples Democratic Movement, PDM, which largely metamorphosed to PDP, when the Fourth Republic was birthed; and one of the founding members of Action Congress, AC, in 2006.

The party said in a statement: “Indeed, the country has lost one of its first-rate and influential politicians, who made solid contributions to the politics, political party and democratic development of the country.

“We pray the Almighty Allah grant the late Alhaji Lawal Kaita eternal rest.”