*Photo: Senator Bello Maitama Yusuf*
President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sadness over the passing of a former minister and chieftain of the All Progressives’ Congress (APC), Senator Bello Maitama Yusuf.
Yusuf, a former senator from 1999-2007 died in the early hours of Friday in Kano at the age of 76.
Tinubu in a condolence message described the late Sardauna of Dutse, Jigawa State as a true believer in Nigeria’s unity and stability.
Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale in a press release said the President extends his deepest sympathy and condolences to Senator Yusuf’s family and friends, as well as the government and people of Jigawa State.
“A true believer in Nigeria’s unity and stability, Senator Maitama Yusuf contributed immensely to the socio-economic development of this country. In the public service, he was selfless. He was dedicated to effective service delivery in order to improve the lives of Nigerians. He served Nigeria meritoriously as the Honourable Minister in the Federal Ministries of Interior and Commerce before being elected into the Nigerian Senate by his people.
“Senator Yusuf was widely regarded as an advocate for good governance, transparency, and youth empowerment during his time in the Senate. Later in life, he was engaged in business, and he made success out of it.
“Nigerians will fondly remember and honour his memory, particularly for the courageous and pivotal role he played in countering attempts by anti-democratic forces to undermine the country’s democracy by seeking to extend the constitutional term limits of elected leaders,” the President was quoted as saying.
President Tinubu prayed that Almighty Allah grant the soul of Sardaunan Dutse eternal rest and give succour to all those who grieve over this irreplaceable loss.