First Lady, Patience Faka Jonathan, has commiserated with the Vice President Namadi Sambo and the widow of late Isaiah Balat, Mrs. Mary Balat.
In a condolence message issued in Abuja, she described the Senator’s sudden departure as, “deeply shocking” and as, “a great loss.”
Mrs. Jonathan eulogized the late Balat, saying that he was a “bright and shining star that death could not eclipse.”
She also observed that he was a highly respected statesman and pragmatic politician who served his state of Kaduna and his country meritoriously as a Senator, Cabinet Minister and as a Special Adviser (Special Duties) to the Vice President.
According to her, with his exit, he Office of the Vice President had been bereft of a highly seasoned administrator whose wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise had been greatly valued.
The First Lady urged the immediate and extended family of the late Senator to be consoled by the worthy and exemplary life he lived and encouraged his children to continue in the enviable tradition laid down by their father.
She prayed the Almighty in His infinite mercy to grant his wife and all family members the fortitude to bear the loss, Ayo Adesugba, Director of information in the First Lady’s office stated.