Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has expressed sorrow over the deaths of former Deputy Governor Audu Katagum and the member representing Sakwa Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Wanzam Zaki.

While Katagum, who was the Wazirin Katagum, died over the weekend at Nizamiye Hospital in Abuja, Zaki, who was the Chairman of the House Committee on Budget and Appropriation, died early yesterday during an illness.

In a condolence message, the governor described Katagum as a loyal and patriotic public servant who dedicated his life to serving humanity with humility and decorum, saying that his passing was a great loss to the state’s political and traditional institutions.

He recalled Katagum’s contributions as deputy governor under former Governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, and as chairman of the Governing Board of Adamu Tafawa Balewa College of Education, Kangere, stating that he demonstrated commitment to good governance, stability and the development of the state.

According to Mohammed, beyond politics and public service, Katagum’s knowledge, experience and dedication to excellence helped advance sustainable development and improve the built environment in Bauchi State, leaving behind enduring legacies that will benefit future generations.

Among others, Mohammed extended his condolences to the immediate family of the late statesman, the Emir of Katagum, and the Katagum Emirate Council.

Also, in his condolence message to the deceased’s immediate family, Sakwa Constituency, Katagum Emirate Council, and Bauchi State House of Assembly, the governor described Zaki’s death as a painful loss.

In a statement by his media aide, Mukhtar Gidado, Mohammed described Zaki as a dedicated lawmaker, a humble leader, and a committed public servant whose life was characterised by simplicity, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of his constituents and the development of Bauchi State.

He noted that throughout his service in the House of Assembly, the lawmaker distinguished himself through diligence, maturity and patriotism, particularly in his role as Chairman of the House Committee on Budget and Appropriation, where he contributed significantly to the formulation and oversight of policies and programmes aimed at improving the lives of the people.