President Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President David Mark and All Progressives Congress Chieftain, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, have sent condolence messages to Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos state over the death of his father, Pa Ademola Fashola who died in the early hours of Monday.
According to the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati, the President on behalf of himself, his family, the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria, President Goodluck Jonathan conveyed sincere condolences to Governor Babatunde Fashola.
His statement reads, “As they mourn Pa Fashola, President Jonathan urges Governor Fashola, his family and people of Lagos State to give thanks to God Almighty for the octogenarian’s very exemplary and accomplished life.
“The President urges to them to be comforted by the knowledge that Pa Fashola is returning to his Creator as a very blessed and fulfilled man who lived to see his son become a two-term Governor of one of Nigeria’s most populous and vibrant states.
“President Jonathan joins Governor Fashola, members of his family and the people of Lagos in praying that God Almighty will grant Pa Fashola peaceful and eternal rest from his labours on earth”.
Also, Senate President David Mark, in a condolence to the governor, government and people of Lagos state, noted that Pa Fashola lived an eventful and accomplished life worthy of emulation.
He said , ” I received the news of the death of your beloved father with shock and sadness at a time his wealth of experience and wisdom is most needed. I am however consoled that your father lived an exemplary life and left a legacy of selfless service to the community.
“Your track record of achievements especially your excellent performance as the governor of Lagos State bears eloquent testimony that your father left a legacy of integrity and excellence.
“I can only urge you to continue in that stead and live up the billing as a further testimony that Pa Fashola lives.”
Senator Mark stated that history will be kind to Pa Fashola for his meritorious services and contributions to the development of the community especially in Lagos State adding “Pa Fashola will surely be given a pride of place when history especially that of Lagos State is written”.
On his part, a Governor of Lagos state, Bola Tinubu, who is in the United States, noted that the deceased gave Lagos the best- his son and died a fulfilled and happy man.
A statement by his Media Strategist, Gbenga Olorunponmi reads, “While in the USA, I received the news of the death of Pa Ademola Fashola, the father of the Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola, with great shock and deep sadness.
“His demise even at the ripe age of 79 years is a hurtful one and we have indeed lost a true, honest, steadfast and dependable father. Pa Ademola Fashola, a man of integrity, was a father no one would want to lose at a time like this. My family and I send our heartfelt condolences to Governor Fashola on this great loss.
“We must find solace and take comfort in the fact that Baba lived a fulfilled life and passed away with the knowledge that he gave his very best to his family, to Lagos State and Nigeria. There is no greater testimony to this than his son, Babatunde Fashola, the Governor of Lagos who has given a new meaning to good governance and purposeful leadership.
“Pa Fashola, Lagosians thank you. Nigeria thanks you for giving us a son like Babatunde Raji Fashola.
“Governor Fashola must remain strong in the face of this great loss of a doting father, especially as all his other siblings look up to him for strength and courage. May Allah (SWT) be his consolation and grant him peace at a time like this”.
