Amidst the shocking death in the early hours of Wednesday December 27, 2023 in Abuja of the former speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Alhaji Ghali Umar Na’Abba, former Special Adviser to second republic president Alhaji Shehu Shagari on National Assembly Matters , Alhaji Tanko Yakassai says Nigeria has lost a rare gem, whose immense contributions to the deepening of our current democratic dispensation cannot be quantified.
The Nonagenarian Elder Statesman, who spoke with the media in kano said with the demise of the speaker of the county’s 8th National Assembly, Nigeria has lost one of its strongest voices in the defence of participatory democracy, separation of powers and preservation of the rule laws.
“Ghali was like a son to me. He grew up to hold positions of authority, and his renowned principles on separation of powers made him a Speaker of speakers, who regrettably departed the scene when his services are needed most, “Yakassai lamented.
Yakassai a prominent voice in both kano and Northern Nigeria political trajectories, described Na’Abba’s death as shocking and devastating, noting that the former House of Representatives Speaker will be greatly missed by Nigerians, particularly this period of the country’s march to nationhood.
He, however, prayed God to grant his soul eternal rest, as well as comfort those he has left behind.
Newscritic.com.ng reports that Na’Abba who will be remembered most for his trojan fight for the independence of the National Assembly between 1999 and 2003 died on Wednesday December 27, at an Abuja hospital, after battling with some health challenges.
