The President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, mourned the passing of a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ghali Umar Na’Abba, on Wednesday, describing him as a true democrat.
Na’Ábba, popularly known as “The Lion,” passed away in the early hours of Wednesday in Abuja at the age of 65.
He served as Nigeria’s fourth-ranking official between 1999 and 2003.
Akpabio, his Deputy, Sen. Barau Jibrin, and the President of the 9th Senate, Sen. Ahmad Lawan, paid glowing tributes to the late speaker on Wednesday in separate condolence messages.
Akpabio, in a message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, said the nation was saddened by the loss of Na’Abba.
He noted, “On behalf of my family and the entire National Assembly, it is with intense sadness that I received the news of the shocking death of the second speaker of the House of Representatives of the 4th Republic, Rt. Hon. Ghali Umar Na’Ábba, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, December 27, 2023, in Abuja.”
According to the Senate President, Na’Abba repelled dictatorship and fought for the independence of the parliament.
He added, “I am indeed saddened at the news of the death of Rt. Hon. Ghali Umar Na’Abba, a patriot, a true democrat, a courageous and selfless politician, who staked his exalted position in the fight against dictatorship to preserve the independence of the Legislature and foster national development.
“I must say the mutual respect and understanding that exist between the Legislature and the Executive today are a direct product of the laudable antecedents of great leaders such as Na’Abba, who sacrificed to institute genuine representative democracy in the country.
“As the second speaker of the 4th House of Representatives, I recall with nostalgia how Rt. Hon. Na’Abba stood like the great wall of Gibraltar against the excesses of the Executive to give the Nigerian electorates value for their votes by ensuring that the right things were done to keep our democracy afloat.
“We, at the National Assembly and, in fact, all Nigerians of goodwill and advocates of true democratic ethos, hold you in high esteem and will always remember that you were one politician who practiced what you preached.
“As you transit to the next world, I pray that Allah will have mercy on your soul and grant you Aljannah Firdaus. Rest on Rt. Hon. Ghali Umar NaÁbba.”
On his part, Jibrin said Na’Abba worked hard, defending the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria throughout his tenure.
The deputy Senate President prayed to Allah SWT to grant the late Na’Abba Jannatul Firdausi and all those he left behind the strength to bear the irreparable loss, according to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir.
“Senator Barau, while extolling the late Speaker, said the deceased was a parliamentarian par excellence, who promoted and defended legislative independence during his era as the Speaker of the House of Representatives between July and June 2003.
“Na’Abba, who represented Kano Municipal between 1999 and 2003, became the speaker after Alhaji Salisu Buhari resigned from the position.
“The Deputy President of the Senate, who chaired the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation during Na’Abba’s tenure, said the deceased was committed to the concept of separation of powers, protection of the rule of law, and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria during his tenure,” the statement said.
It further quoted the deputy Senate President as saying, “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of our late brother, Alhaji Ghali Umar Na’Abba. May Allah SWT grant him Jannatul Firdausi and give all of us that he left behind the strength to bear this irreparable loss. He was a patriotic Nigerian par excellence who lived and worked for the development of our beloved country.
“Throughout his tenure as speaker of the House of Representatives and even after, he promoted and defended the country’s Constitution. This was what endeared the late Speaker to all.”
Also expressing his sadness, Sen. Lawan mourned the deaths of Na’Abba and the Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu.
The Ondo governor passed away at the age of 67.
In a condolence message on Wednesday, the former Senate President said the demise of Na’Abba and Akeredolu had left a void in the political and governance landscape of the nation.
He said Akeredolu was a visionary leader whose commitment to the prosperity of Ondo state was evident in his numerous achievements.
For Na’Abba, he said he was a strong advocate for democracy who played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s democratic governance during the time he held sway as speaker.
Lawan’s message, which was signed by his Media Adviser, Dr. Ezrel Tabiowo, reads, “It is with great sorrow and a profound sense of loss that I mourn the passing of two distinguished leaders: Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Umar Na’Abba. Their untimely deaths have left an irreparable void in the political and governance landscape of our nation.
“Governor Akeredolu, a true son of Ondo State, was a visionary leader who dedicated his life to the service of his people. His unwavering commitment to the progress and prosperity of Ondo State was evident in his numerous achievements, including the infrastructural development projects, economic initiatives, and agricultural reforms he implemented during his tenure. His leadership and legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
“Former Speaker Na’Abba, a respected statesman and a strong advocate for democracy, served as the Speaker of the House of Representatives from 1999 to 2003. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s democratic governance. His principled stand against corruption and his dedication to the rule of law earned him widespread admiration. His contributions to our democracy will always be remembered.
“The passing of these two great leaders is a reminder of the transient nature of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. I extend my deepest condolences to the families, friends, and associates of Governor Akeredolu and Former Speaker Na’Abba. Their legacies will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew them.”
