Former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Adamu Ciroma, is dead.
Family sources said the elder statesman died in Turkish Hospital, Abuja, on Thursday after a protracted illness.
He was 84 years old.
The deceased, a founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was Finance Minister under President Olusegun Obasanjo administration from 1999 to 2003.
Bayelsa State Governor, Henry Seriake Dickson, has commiserated with the people and Government of Yobe State over Ciroma’s death.
The Governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Francis Ottah Agbo, described Ciroma as a rare patriot and nation builder who passed on when his counsel and selfless service were most needed.
While describing the demise of the elder statesman as an irreparable loss to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Nigeria in general, the governor called on Nigerian politicians to emulate the selfless life of Mallam Ciroma.
The Governor also prayed God to grant Ciroma eternal repose of his soul as well as grant his family the fortitude to bear the loss.
He said: “We have lost a rare patriot and a nation builder. Mallam Adamu Ciroma passed on when his selfless services and wise counsel were most needed. He has played his part in life very well. In and out of public service, he was a true Nigerian who rendered selfless service to fatherland. I urge Nigerian politicians to emulate his life of Service. I pray God to grant his family, friends and associates the fortitude to bear what is clearly an irreparable loss”.
Former Abia State Governor, Dr. Orji Kalu, described the demise as a huge loss to the nation.
Kalu, while acknowledging the contributions of the elder statesman to the social, economic and political development of Nigeria, stressed that the deceased lived a remarkable life worthy of emulation.
In a statement by his Special Adviser, Kunle Oyewumi, Kalu extolled the virtues of the elder statesman.
He said: “I commiserate with the government and people of Yobe State on the passing of former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Alhaji Adamu Ciroma.
“The prominent politician will be remembered for his patriotic qualities and commitment to a united Nigeria.
“Alhaji Ciroma served the country diligently in different capacities.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Ciroma family during this difficult time”.
Kalu, who admonished the deceased’s family to uphold the good legacies of their patriarch, prayed for the repose of the soul of Ciroma.
