Buhari, Saraki, others mourn former Niger governor Kure

Sacrifice for nation building will not be forgotten

Eminent Nigerians have paid tributes to former Governor of Niger State, Abdulkadir Kure, who died on Sunday in a German hospital and would be buried tomorrow. Top among them was President Muhammadu Buhari who extended condolences to the government and people of Niger State on his passage.

President Buhari also commiserated with the wife of the deceased, Senator Zaynab Kure and her children, the Kure family and the Nupe people on the unfortunate demise of their illustrious son.

The President in a statement yesterday said he was a great promoter of peaceful co-existence, development and the unity of the Nigerian state throughout his life.

In the statement by his Special Adviser on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, President Buhari specifically paid tribute to Kure’s unselfish dedication to the progress of his state, symbolised by his selfless services to his community even after leaving office.

Senate President, Bukola Saraki, expressed shock over the death, just as he described him as a man who made tremendous sacrifice for nation building.
Saraki’s condolence message issued by his Special Assistant on New Media, Bamikole Omishore stated that Kure’s death has left a void that cannot be easily filled.

The Senate President urged his wife, Hajia Zainab Kure, to take heart and accept the will of God over the shocking death. Similarly, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Uche Anichukwu, extolled the deceased as a patriot and true party man, described his death as a heavy loss to the government and people of Niger State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the nation as a whole.

Also, immediate past President of the Senate, Senator David Mark mourned Kure, whom he described as an accomplished public servant and quintessential politician.

Mark said the death of Kure at this time was a devastating blow to the political class, especially the PDP family.Mark noted that late Kure was a vibrant and dynamic governor of Niger state in his days who embarked on aggressive transformation of the state.

Also, Arewa leaders, under the umbrella of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) yesterday, expressed grief and shock over Kure’s death.A statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Muhammad Ibrahim, described Kure as an accomplished engineer and administrator per excellence.Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State also paid tribute.

Niger State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Jonathan Vatsa, in Minna yesterday, said today’s burial date was reached at a meeting between the state government, led by the Governor, Abubakar Bello and the family.They prayed that the Almighty Allah would receive Kure’s soul and comfort all who mourn him.