20100405
ALLAFRICA

Acting President Goodluck Jonathan today expressed shock over the sudden death of former Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abubakar Rimi, and has directed the inspector-General of Police, Mr Ogbonnaya Onovo to investigate the robbery incident which led to his death.

In a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the Acting President on Media and Publicity, Mr Ima Niboro, described the late politician who is also a former Minister of Communication as unfortunate.

According to the statement, "the Acting President has directed the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ogbonnaya Onovo, to investigate the circumstances surrounding the robbery incident, which reportedly led to shock, and then untimely death, of the late politician".

"Acting President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has expressed shock and sorrow over the sudden death of former Governor of Kano State, former Minister of Communications, and former presidential aspirant, Alhaji Abubakar Rimi", the statement said.

Dr. Jonathan said Rimi's sudden passage was sad and unfortunate, coming at a time when the country needed his political counsel.

He described the late Rimi as one of the great leaders of the Nigerian nation, an astute politician and successful administrator. He said the late politician will always be remembered for his vibrant ideology and vocal advocacy for the rights of the Nigerian people.

"The nation will greatly miss his political experience and invaluable contributions to nation building," Jonathan said.

The Acting President extended profound condolences to the family of the late politician, the Government and people of Kano state, and the entire nation.

He prayed that the Almighty will grant all the strength and courage to bear this painful loss.

Meanwhile, the Acting President, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has expressed shock and sadness over the death of two distinguished members of the Nigeria senate, Senators Tawar Wada and Kawu Dukku representing Gombe North and Gombe South Senatorial Districts respectively in the National Assembly.

According to a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the Acting President on Media and Publicity, Mr Ima Niboro, Jonathan said the sudden death of the two senators within a pace of 48 hours is indeed shocking.

Dr Jonathan described the death of the two Senators as a great loss to Gombe State, the National Assembly and the country at large. He stated that the past few days must have been trying for the State and the Senate, with the death of the two Senators within a span of 48 hours.

Dr Jonathan said both men passed at a time when the Nation needed their contributions most in the promulgation of laws to move the Nation forward.

He said that the lawmakers would be fondly remembered for their vibrant contributions to issues on the floor of the senate as well as their positive contributions to politics in Gombe and the country at large.

The Acting President condoled with Governor Danjuma Goje and the people of Gombe State, the Senate and the entire members and staff of the National Assembly on the passage of the Senators.

He also commiserated with the families of the deceased and prayed God to give them the fortitude to bear the loss.