President Goodluck Jonathan received with great shock and sorrow Tuesday afternoon, news of the sudden death of Isaiah Balat, the Special Adviser (Special Duties) to Vice President Namadi Sambo.
On behalf of himself and the Federal Government, President extends sincere condolences to the Vice President, his staff and all others who had the pleasure of working with Balat at the Presidential Villa.
The President also condoles Balat’s wife, children and relatives as well as his kinsmen, people of Kaduna State and supporters whose interests he capably represented and defended throughout his political career.
He joins them in mourning the very affable political leader who will be remembered for serving meritoriously as a Senator and Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The President prays that God Almighty will receive the soul of Senator Balat whom he had the pleasure of working with at close quarters in the Presidential Villa over the past three years and grant him eternal rest.
Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, described Balat’s death as shocking and a deep loss
He said Isaiah Balat was a great politician that would go down in history as someone who took giant steps to stabilise the Nigerian polity through his numerous contributions and selfless service to the nation.
The Vice President while commiserating with the members of his family over his painful death, urged them to take heart.
Sambo, said Balat would be greatly missed by the Presidency, Kaduna State and Nigeria in general.
The Vice President prayed for the repose of his soul and for his family to have the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Also, Senate President David Mark, literarily broke down in tears when the news of the death of Balat, was broken to him.
He described him as an astute politician, a distinguished parliamentarian, respectable colleague and gentleman.
Mark recalled his relationship with the deceased, saying “Balat was a friend and a brother.
“In all his dealings, he (Balat) was a shining example.
“He represented the best in the political evolution of Nigeria. He was outstanding and forthright and passionate about the indivisibility of our great country, Nigeria.
“We shall miss his candour, his frank and honest dispositions to national issues,”
