President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki on Monday described as painful and shocking, the demise of the former Governor of Kogi State and governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abubakar Audu. He said the late politician died a dogged and visionary leader.
Senator Saraki in a statement signed by his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Yusuph Olaniyonu, who expressed deep sadness on receiving the news of Audu’s death condoled with the immediate family of the deceased, the government and people of Kogi State and the national and state executives as well as members of the APC over the irreparable loss.
He recalled the tenacity of purpose and unwavering loyalty of the deceased who he said remained committed to the course of his people and his party to the very last moment of his life.
Saraki said: “He was selfless, steadfast and patriotic in his services to the people of Kogi State and beyond. He was a visionary and patriotic party faithful. All his life time, he lived for the people.
“Audu, was a leader in all ramifications. He died when his services to the good people of Kogi State and Nigeria in general were most needed.
We cannot but recall how committed and firm he was to his policies and pro-people ideology. His death is simply unbearable.
“As Muslims, we have taken his death in good faith because we strongly believe that only God gives life and can as well take it when He wishes,” he stated.
Also, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yussuff Sulaimon Lasun described the sudden death of Prince Abubakar Audu, as a rude shock.
Deputy State however, lamented his death at this crucial time the APC has demonstrated that Kogi State is part of the states the party is controlling in the country.
He prayed to Almighty Allah to give the people of the state the fortitude to bear the loss of a great man, a philanthropic leader, a democrat who devoted part of his time in helping less privileged in the society.
He said that the late former governor would never be forgotten in the history of this country for his doggedness and determination to succeed.
On his part, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State described the death of Audu, as a rude shock.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Peter Okhiria, the Governor said: “I received with shock, the sad news of the death of Prince Abubakar Audu, candidate of our great party in the Kogi state gubernatorial election.
“I was with Prince Audu just a few days ago, at the mega rally of our great party, where we marketed our party’s manifesto to the electorate and he looked hale and hearty as he dished out his plans to restore the glory of his state.
“His death, coming just as we were getting ready to celebrate his unassailable lead at the polls, is a sad reminder on the transience of life.
“There is no doubt that Kogi state has lost a gentleman, a certified performer whose legacies as a first-term Governor remain unmatched in the state.
In the same vein, the Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, has expressed his condolences to the family of the late former governor of Kogi state and gubernatorial candidate of APC, Prince Abubakar Audu.
The Minister described the news of the death of this politician per excellence as a great loss especially at the time the State was gearing up for impactful governance for which the APC is known for.
“This is surely a great loss to his family, political associates, Kogi State and the entire APC family” Mrs Boade Akinola, Director of Press and Public Relations quoted the Minister as saying.
Also, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Solomon, has commiserated with Nigerians, especially the people of Kogi State, family, friends and relations of the All Progressives Congress’ gubernatorial candidate in the last Saturday election, Prince Abubakar Audu.
Meanwhile, the IGP has commended the people of Kogi State for their enviable peaceful conduct before, during and after the November 21, 2015 gubernatorial election held in the State, Force Public Relations Officer, Olabisi Kolawole said in a statement on Monday.
The IGP is particularly pleased with the very high level of comportment, discipline, orderliness, patience and understanding exhibited by the citizens throughout the period of the election.
IGP Arase while calling for a similar level of citizens’ cooperation and support for the Police and other relevant agencies during the forthcoming election taking place in Bayelsa State on 5th December, 2015,equally gives kudos to the Personnel of the Police and other security agencies assigned to election duties in Kogi State for their professional conduct throughout the election period. He charges the officers to remain focused and committed in the discharge of their duties to their fatherland.
