Ex-NNPC worker sentenced to death for murder of daughter’s boyfriend

March 22, 2018

A Cross River State High Court sitting in Calabar on Wednesday sentenced a retired worker of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Mr. Godwin Elewana, to death by hanging.

The court found Elewana guilty of the murder of a 22-year-old pupil, Douglas Ojugbo, on March 10, 2015 over suspicion that the victim was having an affair with his daughter, Mercy.

Elewana, who had been in prison custody since 2016, was arraigned on one count of murder in case no. HC/9C/2015.

The presiding judge of the court, Justice Ukpa Ebitam, said the prosecution team, led by Mr. Eneji Amajama, a Deputy Director in the Department of Public Prosecutions in the state Ministry of Justice, proved its case that the accused committed the crime.

Ebitam listed the several confessional statements, hospital reports and other exhibits presented in the course of trial as reasons the accused was convicted.

He said, “The prosecution team was able to establish ingredients of murder against the accused. On whether it was the act of the accused that caused the death of the victim, the prosecution team placed reliance mostly on the confessional statement of the accused…clearly, the statement linked the murder to the accused.

“The prosecution team also proved the second ingredient of murder which was the intentional act. To have fired the victim twice with his pump-action gun, I agree that the killing was intentional. I hereby find the accused person guilty of murder.

“Subject to Section 319 of the Criminal Code of Cross River State, any person who commits murder is sentenced to death by hanging.”

Moments before the verdict was given, the defence counsel, Mr. Clement Ukaegbu, had pleaded for leniency.

Ukaegbu’s position was supported by another lawyer, Mr. Orchardson Umoh, who pleaded with the judge to temper justice with mercy on the grounds that the convict had a good religious standing and high integrity in the society.

Shortly after the verdict, the leader of the prosecution team, Amajama, said the law had taken its course.

He said, “I thank God that we have industrious and sound judges who still uphold the rule of law. Today, the parents of the deceased would have some respite that the law of the land took its course.

“This judgement will serve as a deterrent to others that you cannot do what is wrong and go away with it and I think that our society will be better for it.

“The accused was tried under Section 319 of the Criminal Code of Cross River State. Under this section, the judge does not have the right to give him life imprisonment or any other jail term. The judge has just done what the law stipulates.”

The mother of the victim, Mrs. Maria Ojugbo, said, “I thank God for doing what should be done. It is stated in the Bible that anyone who kills by the sword, will die by the sword. Elewana had no reason whatsoever to kill my son in such a manner and conceal the act by burying him. It was Almighty God that gave approval for this judgement.”

source: punch

Never Trust Buhari over Your Security- Okogie

Queen Madu

March 20, 2018

CATHOLIC Archbishop Emeritus of Lagos, Anthony Cardinal Okogie, has expressed fears of Nigerians entrusting their security in the government of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Okogie in a nine-paragraph letter he personally signed, yesterday, said his fears were founded in the President’s admittance that he didn’t know that the Inspector of Police, Ibrahim, Idris, flouted his order to remain in Benue in the wake of the new year day killing by herdsmen that claimed 73 lives. He said: “In Nigeria’s security architecture, the President, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, appoints and oversees all service chiefs, including the Inspector-General of Police. They take orders from him. He assures us that he receives regular security briefings. But he has just made a candid admission that he is not in control of his service chiefs.

“He ordered the Inspector-General to relocate to Benue State in January. He admitted in March that he did not know the order was flouted. Does the Inspector General of Police brief the President? Will the President fire him? Is it wise for Nigerians to count on this government for their security? “In affront to his person and office, his order was flouted, there were killings in Plateau State during his visit, and more killings in Taraba, Benue and Kogi states.

Boko Haram, said by the President’s spokesmen to be degraded and technically defeated, abducted 110 schoolgirls in Yobe State. Are the service chiefs still taking orders? Is the President still in control of security? “Instead of declaring the murderous herdsmen a terrorist organisation, the President offers pious exhortation to their victims to love their neighbours. His party and the ruling party of yesterday score cheap political points, comparing notes on levels of incompetence and gravity of negligence in security matters displayed by their respective governments. “The ruling party of today claims its government acted faster in Dapchi than the government of the ruling party of yesterday in Chibok. Both gloss over a disturbing question: where were our security operatives when our innocent daughters were abducted first in Chibok, and then, in Dapchi?” “Our security is not only threatened by herdsmen.

It is also threatened by the incompetence of our leaders, their conduct or misconduct, their greedy unethical glorification of perks of office. If, as one senator recently said, each senator receives 13.5 million naira per month as running cost, added to 720, 000-naira monthly salary, then our security is threatened. Interestingly, the Senate has not contradicted what this senator said.

The senator himself has not told Nigerians if he too had been receiving this huge amount. “A senator should be able to do his work with half that amount, even with less. So, one may want to divide what Nigeria spends annually on her senators by two. The result would be 9, 299, 880, 000 naira. If that were divided by the number of universities in this country which is 175, the result would be 53, 142, 171 naira. Give that to each university for its library. It will drastically improve the quality of education in this country. “But the scandal is not just the amount we spend on our senators. Nigeria spends so much on government. Yet, there is little or no governance. We spend so much maintaining the President, 36 Governors, close to 50 Ministers, members of a bicameral National Assembly, and members of 36 state houses of assembly, advisers and special advisers, assistants and senior personal assistants.

It is a security risk to spend so much on political office holders that Nigeria does not need while our education sector is in decay. “Education is the acquisition of wealth for human development, the assurance of prosperity and security in the land. Half of the huge amount of money devoted to servicing political office holders in Nigeria can be spent on education.

That will vastly improve our prospects for prosperity and security. To do otherwise is to sentence this country to a future of unending poverty and insecurity. That Nigeria invests more in her recycled politicians than in her youths is a breach of security that mortgages her future. “But education is not the only neglected sector in this country. Uninterrupted electricity remains a fleeting illusion. That certainly affects security.

It affects the economy too. Without electricity, this country cannot grow her economy. Nigerians hear of economic recovery. ‘’But it is not felt in their pockets. Many are dying of hunger. Salaries are not paid. School fees cannot be paid. Parents withdraw children from school. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s politicians, paid huge sums of money, throw lavish wedding parties, at a time of heightened insecurity, and the President and Vice President lead the guests. “Lust for perks of office has made elections into public offices in Nigeria a security concern. Machiavellian politics has become the most lucrative business.

Nigerians must reflect on these questions before voting next year: when shall we have a government and Commander-in-Chief that truly protect us? ‘’Will there ever be conversion of hearts among Nigeria’s politicians? When will Nigerian political office holders begin to serve those whose votes put them in office? Can it be said that this narrative of negligence, incompetence, greed and insecurity is a prelude to 2019? We are watching and waiting.’’

source: vanguard

Edo community Suffers Mysterious death, Diseases following Curses by Oba of Benin

Queen Madu

March 20, 2018

BENIN—MYSTERIOUS deaths has hit Iguomon village in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State, following curses placed on the community by the Oba of Benin for flaunting his orders.

The curses, Vanguard gathered, was necessitated by the disobedience and perversion of native norms by the former officials of the outlawed Community Development Association, CDA, in the village, who flouted the orders of the Benin monarch.

The inhabitants of the village, who besieged the palace of Oba Ewuare II in tears yesterday, appealing for a revocation of the curses placed on Iguomon community. They also claimed that mysterious deaths, strange diseases, attacks of various kinds as well as untold afflictions have been ravaging the community shortly after the curses were placed. Spokesman and Secretary to the community, Mr. Joseph Ighodaro, said they were at the palace to appeal to the monarch as the supreme traditional authority in the state to revoke all the curses placed on Iguomon village by his ancestors.

He stated that the people of the village were ready to carry out all the necessary rites needed for the revocation of the curses. They also pleaded with monarch to consider Mr. Roland Okhuarobo as the rightful Odionwere of Iguomon village, just as they promised to refrain from all forms of violation of traditional norms to avoid further premature deaths and disasters.

source: vanguard

Obiano swears in Four principal officers

Queen Madu

March 20, 2018

Barely 48 hours after his inauguration for a second term in office, Governor Willie Obiano has sworn in four principal officers, including his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. James Eze.

Others sworn in at the brief ceremony, which held at the Executive Chamber of Government House, Awka, were his former secretary to the state government, Prof. Solo Chukwudobelu, who was re-appointed to his position, Mr. Primus Odili as chief of staff and former principal secretary to the governor, Mr. Willie Nwokoye, who was also re-appointed to his position.

In his address, Obiano assured the people of more democratic dividends and an open administration.

The Governor noted that all those who served in his first tenure in various capacities, have been tested and found worthy of their appointment while Odili, who served as secretary to the Obiano Campaign Organisation, for the governorship election last year, is equally qualified to work in his new capacity.

He charged the principal officers to take their appointments seriously and brace up squarely to face the challenges of their offices which he described as enormous.

He said, “You should remember that you have been given a very serious assignment and should brace up because the task ahead is very enormous.”

Speaking to journalists shortly after the swearing in, the CPS, Eze said the past four years as the SSA on media has prepared him to work effectively in his new position.

Noting that the Governor’s words speak for what should be expected, Eze said, “His second term will be more eventful. The Governor is a man of action, ready to inspire lives of people, attract developmental Chief Eze appealed for more support from the masses to encourage more development in all sectors.

“The first term was a difficult one starting from the campaign. He ran the campaign with very rich, strong candidates who gave him no chance. However the team ran a formidable campaign, and emerged victories, we faced many distractions.

“Obiano this time wants to build on the foundation of his first term, to continue with his development strides.”

He thanked the Governor for remembering him in this second term with what he called ‘strategic office’, and promised to deliver saying, “I pledge allegiance to the governor. I will co-operate and work for development of Anambra state, the press and success of the government.”

source: the sun

No more Police Guard for Politicians, VIPs and others- IGP

Queen Madu

March 20, 2018

Against the backdrop of security challenges confronting the country, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, has ordered the immediate withdrawal of personnel attached to politicians, multinational companies, business entrepreneurs and corporate individuals.

The IGP said the Police Force Headquarters will send a memo to President Muhammadu Buhari for approval.

The memo, according to the IGP, would serve as a template or guideline on how police personnel should be deployed to Very Important Persons (VIPs), political and public office holders, among others in the country.

The IGP made the disclosure during his monthly meeting with Commissioners of Police and other senior officers in Abuja, yesterday.

To ensure strict compliance with the directive, Idris said a task force, headed by ACP Mohammed Dankwara, has been constituted at the Force headquarters in Abuja, and added that commissioners of police are to replicate same at their commands with immediate effect.

He said: “In view of the current security challenges in the country, it has become expedient for the Nigeria Police Force to streamline the deployment of its personnel attached to political and public office holders, aimed at enhancing effective and efficient policing in the country.

“To this effect, a memo will be forwarded to the president for approval which will serve as a template for deployment to VIPs and public office holders in the country.”

He said the directive include entrepreneurs, as well as corporate individuals, and that any of the organisations that require the services of the officers and found worthy, would be considered from the Special Protection Unit (SPU) of the Force, on application for re-validation through commissioners of police where they are domiciled.

“By so doing, I am charging the commissioners of police with the responsibility of supervising such official deployment and, thereby, holding them accountable,” Idris said.

The IGP, who also spoke on illegal use of siren and abuse of spy number plates, directed holders of all police plate numbers to return them to the Force Transport Officer (FTO) at the headquarters in Abuja.

Idris stressed that they are expected to apply for re-validation.

He, however, said a task force formed under ACP Mohammed Dankwara, which would ensure that all state commissioners of police comply with the directives while the list of the task force team should be forwarded to the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operations on or before March 31.

The IGP, on the occasion, decorated some senior police officers who were recently promoted to their next ranks by the Police Service Commission (PSC).

Among newly decorated officers to the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) was Danjuma Ibrahim, who was recently acquitted by a Federal High Court over the Apo six killings.

Ibrahim allegedly connived with other officers to cause the death of Igbo traders arrested by the police attached to Garki Police Division, Abuja, on June 7, 2005. He was acquitted by the court and reinstated by the police authorities.

source: the sun

Grandmother commits suicide over Children’s Unemployment

Queen Madu

March 19, 2018

A mother of two unemployed graduates, whose name was given as Uzoaku, on Saturday hanged herself in Mgbakwu, in the Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

It was gathered that the 66-year-old woman had complained to some people that she was angry that her two children, who graduated some years back, had not got any job.

A villager, Uche Aniuno, said, “I saw her about four days ago. She expressed bitterness over the unemployment situation of her two children who graduated some years back. But I didn’t know that could lead her to this situation.

“She was a hard-working woman and I won’t say she was poor. One of her daughters is married with children. We are all surprised that she ended this way.”

But the younger brother of the deceased, Fredrick Nwenu, told some journalists that his sister had no reason to take her life.

Nwenu, who said he accommodated her late sister for some time, said the news came to him as a shock.

He said, “My sister had no reason to do this, having trained her two children to university level.

“She had two children who are university graduates. Her daughter is happily married with kids. So, she had no reason whatsoever to commit suicide.”

The community was thrown into mourning when the news of the suicide spread, as many described her as an industrious woman.

It was gathered that the deceased hanged herself with a rope which she tied to the burglary-proof bars of the window in her room.

PUNCH Metro learnt that the victim was cooking in her kitchen around 4pm when she suddenly abandoned the food and dashed to the bedroom where she allegedly took her life.

A neigbour, Isaac Umeh, who described the incident as regrettable, wondered why a grandmother would take such a decision.

He said the deceased was alone at home when the incident happened.

He said, “Nobody was around that time. The food she was cooking was still on the fire when she suddenly rushed into the room where she used a rope to hang herself.

“The whole thing is still a mystery to us because nobody believed a woman of her age with grandchildren could take her own life.”

When our correspondent visited the residence of the deceased, sympathisers were still trooping in in large numbers to offer condolences to the family.

Calls made to the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Nkeiruka Nwode, rang out. A text message sent to her had also yet to be replied to as of press time.

source: punch

Obiano dedicates victory to Tansi, At thanksgiving service

Queen Madu

March 19, 2018

Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State has attributed his victory in the November 18, 2017 election to the miracle of the Blessed Father Iwene Tansi and called on the Papacy to beatify the late Tansi as a Saint.

Obiano said his 21 over 21 result was Tansi’s miracle hence, Rome should not wait for another miracle to beatify Father Tansi.

He said this during a special thanksgiving service for the inauguration of his second term, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Awka, officiated by the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha and Metropolitan See of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke.

“Father Tansi should be made a saint now, what other miracle we are waiting for? This one is so clear.

“The Bishops, if you want, I will write to Rome for them to come and see Tansi miracle; 21 over 21 and they are looking for another miracle? There is none greater than this.

“So Bishop, please send message across to Rome, this miracle of 21 over 21 is enough for Tansi to be a saint.”

Obiano expressed gratitude to the people of the state and urged them to uphold his government in prayers as only prayers would assist it overcome.

“When you put your trust in God, God will work for you. We have put our trust in God and God will surely continue to work for us.

“These four years we have just entered would be better than the past,” said Obiano.

Earlier, in his homily, titled “A new covenant with the house of Israel,” the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, commended Obiano for starting with God and urged him to see the social contract with the people of Anambra to a logical conclusion so as to honour the trust and confidence of the people as expressed by the 21 over 21 result.

He asked Obiano nd his deputy, Dr. Nkem Okeke, who also attended the church service with his wife, to ensure selfless service to the people of the state and emulate Jesus Christ by making sacrifices.

On national issues, the bishop kicked against the directive of the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to disarm vigilante groups from bearing firearms.

He described the order as “suspicious and absurd, especially in Anambra where groups are working well, contributing to the security feat of the state.”

Ezeokafor said even if such order would have effect, “it should not be extended to the South, especially the South East, where local vigilante operatives have helped a great deal in fighting hoodlums with their authorised arms.

“I doubt if a state like Anambra has need for such directive. Anambra is one of the safest, if not the most secured state in Nigeria. Why try to deprive us this security we are enjoying down here? Why ask the vigilante operatives to return their guns?

“I think they should allow reasonable and responsible individuals to own guns.

“Asking people to surrender their guns is to leave them at the mercy of their enemies. Such directive will be more effective in the North East.”

source: the sun

Breaking News-Obiano Appoints SSG,Others

bvichannel1

March 19, 2018

Sir Willie Nwokoye
Barely 24 hours after taking his oath of office,the Governor of Anambra State,Chief Willie Obiano has appointed three Principal Officers and a Chief Press Secretary for his 2nd tenure administration.

The Appointees are Prof Solo Chukwulobelu who retains his position as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) ,Sir Willie Nwokoye ,who retains his position as the Principal Secretary to the Governor and Mr Primus Odili who becomes the New Chief of Staff to the Governor while James Eze,formerly a Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media assumes the position of the Chief Press Secretary.

Prof Solo Chukwulobelu
The new appointees who were formally informed of their appointments by the Permanent Secretary,Office of the Secretary to the State Government,Dr Daniel Ezeanwu shall be sworn in at 1pm on Monday March 19,2018.

These appointments follow the same pattern of readiness demonstrated by the Governor Obiano in his first term when he swore in his Principal Officers a day after his inauguration.

Ndubuisi reporting for BVI Channel 1 online

I Will Go For Self Determination -Austin

bvichannel1

March 18, 2018

The commendable declarations by our brothers and sisters from the federating regions of Nigeria is indicative of the fact that the Hausa Fulani hegemony is extinct. Its long been. It should not even feature in the present debate to restructure Nigeria.

We recall the constant and successful resistance from our people in the Middle Belt, the Langtan people and others, plus the conversion to Christianity of eminent Fulanis including the son of a former Emir of Kano; a direct descendant of Utman Dan Fodio.

All you see playing out is the usual tactics of a loser; fear tactics. The last kick of a dying horse readily comes to mind.
With respect, this should not be construed as being derogatory of a fellow human but simply metaphoric.

The devil uses fear tactics because it knows it no longer has hold on us, thanks to the Lamb of God whose Precious Blood was spilt for our Salvation. It is a sacrifice that has no end; a sacrifice which cannot be equalled or paralleled.

Fear tactics is futile.

Buhari is a true Moslem who is being used to propagate Islamic doctrines, so to further expand what Utman Dan Fodio set out to do in the then Northern region of Nigeria. The problem here is that Buhari belongs in the past, he is not to blame. You do not kill the messenger, do you?

Other faith propagators should not be blamed for doing their job either.

Unfortunately for Buhari, fear as a tool is no longer fashionable in these days of social media.

The more reason the federating units often and have recently called his bluff in spite of his recent admonishment against anyone seeking to invoke a constitutionally entrenched right to self determination.

Buhari is unstable and his is a failure amongst his peers and contemporaries. All he has ever achieved is failure.

The provisions for the right to self determination in all constitutions and international instruments were borrowed from natural laws, mind you. This right is inherent and inalienable.

Referencing the Arab spring in the Middle East and North Africa “MENA” as a classic example of were fear tactics have failed woefully. Am sure Buhari has good advisers on diplomacy and foreign policies. I see that he often doesn’t remember anything these days.

Pushing an agenda by force and without regard to law and the existing rights of others cannot survive its first gambit, especially where you are robbing and impoverishing other constituent stakeholders in broad day light.

Resistance thereof comes naturally ; just like a reflex action of the eye when it perceives a potential danger.

Our brothers and sisters from the Middle Belt, South South, South West and South East should be commended for redirecting the dynamics of the debate to restructure Nigeria; borrowing from the popular cliche for lack of a better word in this context. I prefer using Self Determination to Restructure.

Other recent agitators from other constituent regions deserve equal commendation. We all are equal owners of the commonwealth call Nigeria.

I believe the implementation of true federalism should be the correct phrase given the current circumstances.

Circumstances such as inter-tribal marriages with their resultant offsprings in the shape and form of beautiful and handsome hybrid of lovely looking children, commercial factors, and hosts of other evidence of natural human integration as ordained by the Creator Himself, are pertinent factors that need no human wisdom to plead their cases in any debate geared toward disintegration of Nigeria.

Nature has a way of fighting back. It does prevail in the long run; Buhari go ask any bigot.

Now, to squint on the way forward; the domination of one region over the other comes at a cost.

Worst losers are those seeking to dominate because they stagnate not the dominated but themselves. Domination is a function of the mind.

Lets await the outcome of the series of debates and workshops on the way forward.

To be a man, you must take a stand, even at the point of paying the ultimate price for what you believe in.

I will choose Self Determination any given day.

Senator Wakil Slumped and died

bvichannel1

March 18, 2018

Buried amid tears

Buhari, Saraki, Dogara, Ekweremadu mourn
Fred Itua, Abuja

Senator Ali Wakil representing Bauchi South in the upper legislative chamber is dead.

He died after slumping at his Gwarimpa residence in Abuja.

Senator Wakil was also buried yesterday at the Gudu District Cemetary in Abuja after Islamic rites were performed at the National Mosque with his colleagues in the Senate and other politicians in attendance.

Family sources confirmed to Sunday Sun that Wakil who until his death was the chairman of Senate Committee on Poverty Alleviation, slumped on Saturday morning and was rushed to a nearby hospital in the Gwarimpa area of Abuja.

But he died before he could get emergency treatment.

The deceased, until his sudden demise, was a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Wakil was born in 1960 and was a native of Bauchi State.

He attended Lere Primary School in 1972, after which he proceeded to Government Secondary School Damaturu where he obtained his senior certificate.

He then proceeded to Bauchi College for Arts and Science in 1979.

For his university education, he attended Bayero University, Kano where he obtained a Bachelors degree in Arts in1982.

He also attended Nigerian Customs training school, Lagos in 1984 and the infantry centre and school, Jaji in 1991.

Wakil was also a retired Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS.

In 2015, he contested for the Bauchi South Senatorial seat and won on the platform of the APC.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has said the death of Senator Wakil was “an incalculable loss to Nigeria’s democracy” because his “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.

He prayed to Allah to bless the soul of the departed senator just he extended his condolences to his family, his colleagues in the National Assembly, as well as the government and people of Bauchi State.

Also the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has expressed deep sadness over the sudden death of Wakil.

Saraki in a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja, described the late senator as a vibrant lawmaker and public servant who was passionate about his assignment and engagements in the Senate, especially his chairmanship of the Senate committee on Poverty Alleviation and other committees where he was a member.

“Mallam Ali Wakil is one lawmaker you can never be in doubt where he stands on a particular issue. He spoke his mind fearlessly.

“His contributions at plenary were always very incisive and rich. I find it difficult to acknowledge that he will not resume plenary with us next Tuesday.

“My heart goes out to his family, the 8th Senate and the government and people of Bauchi State over the loss of this conscientious and patriotic Nigerian. He shall be sorely missed,” Saraki said.

The Senate president has since visited the residence of the senator in Abuja where he commiserated with his immediate and extended family members.

Also the Deputy Senate President, Prof Ike Ekweremadu, has expressed shock and sadness over the death of Wakili, describing him as a diligent and courageous lawmaker.

He said: “I received with rude shock the news of the passing on of my friend, brother, colleague, and ally, Distinguished Senator Wakil Ali.

“Senator Wakil’s stint at the National Assembly has no doubt been cut short, but it was long enough to prove himself a forthright, patriotic, diligent, and courageous politician, who respected his conviction and loved his fatherland. He stood for what he believed was right and worked for the unity of Nigeria.

“It is indeed a grave, personal loss to me, the Senate, and the entire nation. He will live on in our hearts”.

Ekweremadu who stated this through his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Uche Anichukwu, prayed God to grant eternal rest to the soul of the late Senator and support his family, the good people of Bauchi State, and the nation with the fortitude to bear the loss.

Similarly, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has described as devastating and heart breaking, the news of the death of Wakil. The Speaker, described the late Wakil as a personal friend, true brother and dependable ally.

“The death of Sen. Ali Wakil is a personal loss to me. I’m short of words to describe how devastated and heart broken I am over the passing away of this true friend, brother and confidant, with whom I had excellent brotherly relationship and association.

“We have indeed lost a distinguished parliamentarian, easy going and courageous person who had worked tirelessly both in the Senate chamber and outside to defend the interest of his constituents, Bauchi State and the downtrodden members of the society in the country at large.

“Within his short but eventful sojourn in the National Assembly, Sen. Wakil had distinguished himself with his characteristic display of patriotism, forthrightness and logical skills during debates and other legislative duties.

“We in Bauchi State and in particular, Bauchi South Senatorial District, have lost a worthy ambassador and a distinguished gentleman.

But we’ll take solace in the fact that his humanitarian services and other accomplishments will continue to be a source of inspiration to us all.

“Our deep condolences go to his immediate family, constituents, the people of Bauchi State and the nation atlarge over this irreparable loss,” Dogara said.

Source : Sun

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