Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, on Monday, expressed grief over the death of elder statesman and one time Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule.
A statement by the Acting President’s spokesman, Mr Laolu Akande, said Osinbajo received the news of the passing away of Maitama Sule – orator, elder-statesman, and distinguished diplomat – with profound sorrow.
One of Maitama’s sons, Alhaji Mukhtar Sule, who confirmed the incident in Kano, said that his father died in the early hours of Monday in a hospital in Cairo, Egypt.
He said that he passed on at 87, and left a wife and four children.
A politician and diplomat, Sule was born in Kano in 1929. He started his career as a teacher and was later elected into the Federal House of Representatives in 1954.
In 1958, he was Chief Information Officer to the Kano Native Authority, and in 1959, he was appointed Federal Minister of Mines and Power.
He was a member of Nigeria’s delegation to the Addis Ababa Conference of Independent African States in 1960.
The deceased statesman became Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in 1976 during the tenure of Kurt Waldheim as Secretary-General of the world body.
He was also Federal Commissioner of Public Complaints in 1979 and vied for the ticket of the defunct National Party of Nigeria for the 1979 presidential election, but lost to Alhaji Shehu Shagari.
Sule was also assigned as representative of Nigeria’s President to the Lancaster House Talks on Zimbabwe in London and was also counsel to African Leaders on Zimbabwe crisis.
Former President Shagari appointed him Minister of National Guidance in 1983, a portfolio designed to assist the president in tackling corruption.
When 12 states were created in 1967, Sule became Commissioner for Local Government in his native Kano State. He later moved to the Ministry of Forestry, Co-operatives and Community Development.
He also served the state as Commissioner for Information.
Sule’s hard political view was that without free, fair elections and peaceful environment for people to freely express their rights, the sustainability of democracy would be under threat in Africa.
He believed in a united Nigeria, always insisting that “everyone has a gift from God’’.
The philosophy formed his opinion that ‘’The Northerners are endowed by God with leadership qualities.
“The Yoruba man knows how to earn a living and has diplomatic qualities. The Igbo man is gifted in trade, commerce, and technological innovation.
“God so created us equally with purpose and different gifts.
“What Nigeria needs now is good leadership to develop and excel. Nigeria wants good leaders, not rulers, for it to take its pride of place in Africa. A country without good leadership cannot have good government.’’
Immediately his death was made public, the Kano State Government declared Tuesday, July 4, as work-free day in his honour.
This is contained in a statement by the Commissioner of Information, Malam Mohammed Garba.
He said the declaration of the work-free day was to enable residents attend the funeral prayer for the late elder statesman which is scheduled to hold on Tuesday.
The commissioner said that the funeral prayer of the late elder statesman would be conducted at the Emir’s Palace around 4pm.
Osinbajo, who expressed his deep and heartfelt condolences to the deceased’s family, friends, associates and the government of Kano State, prayed that “the Almighty God comforts all”.
According to Osinbajo, Maitama Sule, the Danmasinin Kano, is best remembered on the global scene as one of the country’s foremost envoys.
He said the clarity of his voice and vision contributed significantly to the high esteem and respect Nigeria earned at the UN.
Osinbajo also described Maitama Sule as an illustrious son of Nigeria and his death a loss to the country.
The Acting President observed that in his lifetime, the deceased, a great Nigerian leader and committed nationalist, had positioned himself as an agent of unity.
“Even as he advanced gracefully in age, he was always prepared to reach out to other leaders of thought across the country in the noble quest for unity, tolerance and national cohesion.
“He did not waver in lending his voice to the promotion of moderation in national discourse, and his graceful conduct thereto would be sorely missed.
“Alhaji Sule never relented applying his wealth of experience to advance the cause of unity, peace and progress of Nigeria.
“His fatherly counsel to those in authority had always been bold, sincere and untainted,’’ the Acting President stated.
While commending his patriotic fervour, and passionate zeal for public service, the Acting President recalls Maitama Sule’s unparalleled dedication to duty as a formidable diplomat, politician, Minister and acclaimed orator.
He said the deceased’s well-researched and excellently delivered speeches inspired and impressed several Nigerians, including him (Osinbajo).
He, therefore, urged the octogenarian’s family, friends and associates to be consoled by the fact that his selfless commitment to the stability of Nigeria would not be forgotten and would always be honoured.
The Acting President, on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari, the Government and the people of Nigeria, conveyed heartfelt condolences over the loss of “a great national asset’’.
Osinbajo prayed Allah to bless his memory, grant his family and all Nigerians the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, said Maitama Sule was a nationalist whose death was a great loss to the nation.
Saraki, in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Mr Yusuph Olaniyonu, described the deceased as “a detribalised Nigerian who spoke truth at all times during his lifetime’’.
He said the Sule was an avowed and highly respected personality, core democrat, fearless politician, exceptional orator and an accomplished public servant.
He said that it was gratifying that the elder statesman lived long to, as one of those who fought for the nation’s independence, witness the modest achievements of Nigeria as a nation.
As a mark of respect for the late politician, Saraki urged Nigerians to follow the path of dialogue in addressing grievances and eschew ethnic tensions as embodied by the late former minister.
“This is the highest respect we will pay to his legacies,” he said.
He called on the Federal and Kano State Governments to immortalize the “great icon of peace and an advocate of justice and fairness’’.
Saraki stated that the deceased would be sorely missed for his knowledge, political sagacity, philanthropy, oratory and courage.
“The news of the demise of Alhaji Maitama Sule came to me with shock.
“This is one man that has become a permanent feature in the politics of the country, beginning from first republic when he was appointed a minister at a youthful age.
“Through sheer oratory, the name Maitama Sule had become synonymous with wit and wisdom. He never minced words when speaking against ills in society and how to curb them.
“He will remain an inspiration to present and forthcoming generations on the lessons of tolerance, unity and peaceful co-existence.
“He left at a time his wise counsel is in dire need to navigate our way out of current challenges confronting the country,’’ he said.
Similarly, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara, described Sule’s death as a monumental loss to the African continent.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Mr Turaki Hassan, in Abuja, Dogara said that though Sule was of age, news of his death was shocking.
He said that the late Danmasani Kano was a colossus, patriot, father to all, and a distinguished elder statesman, who wrote his name in gold in the annals of Nigeria’s history.
“From struggle for independence, to his stewardship as a Federal Parliamentarian, Federal Commissioner of Public Complaints, to his service as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Maitama Sule’ s record of public service was excellent.
“His record of public service was also exemplary and worthy of emulation.
“Even at old age, and faced with health challenges, the late elder statesman never relented in building bridges of friendship, peace and preaching love among Nigerians.
“Undoubtedly, he was an icon of peace, transparency, a born orator, patriot and a distinguish statesman who gave his all for the unity and prosperity of Nigeria as one indivisible nation,’’ he said.
On his part, Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, paid glowing tribute to the late politician and said his death was a “great blow’’ to Kano and the country.
“This is the exit of a patriot, true statesman, role model, social crusader, diplomat of an uncommon pedigree, and an orator, who served the nation and humanity in many capacities.
“Although he was popularly known as Dan Masanin Kano, some of us preferred to call him Dan Masanin Nigeria, for he had a rare national appeal and loomed larger than life itself even in his humility.
“A man of unimpeachable integrity and agent of national rebirth, Dan Masanin was, true to his title, a man of the people, mouthpiece of the poor, master of words, peacemaker, and diplomat per excellence”.
Ekweremadu regretted that Sule did not live to witness the Nigeria of his dream, which he fervently preached, prayed, and worked for.
“As a people, therefore, we owe it to his memory to bring to fruition his dream of a truly united Nigeria where everyone is his brother’s keeper, a nation that is the pride of Africa.’’
Former Vice President and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, says unblemished public service record was one of the greatest and most indelible virtues for Sule would be remembered by Nigerians and the world.
In a tribute to the late Dan Masanin Kano who died in Cairo, the former Vice President, in a statement by his Media Office in Abuja, noted that the deceased was one of Nigeria’s greatest and most remarkable politicians whose vast experience, knowledge and wisdom are invaluable and immeasurable.
According to the Waziri Adamawa, the late Maitama Sule was an epitome of selfless service to the people, adding that politicians of his generation were dedicated to service with integrity, qualities which he said, have been significantly eroded since the end of the First Republic.
Atiku also noted that Maitama Sule was a walking encyclopedia of knowledge who had dedicated his entire life to the promotion of peace, unity, peaceful coexistence, tolerance and good governance.
Atiku stressed that the deceased only wealth was his integrity because the accumulation of wealth was never his preoccupation throughout his public service record.
The former Vice President extended his condolences to the government, the family and the people of Kano State of the death of this illustrious and remarkable politician.
Also, the All Progressives Congress (APC) expressed grief over the passage.
A statement by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, reads:
“The Party commiserates with the late Maitama Sule’s immediate family, the Emir of Kano, the people and government of Kano State, the federal government and indeed the international community over the sad loss.
“Nigeria has indeed lost a distinguished politician, progressive voice, public servant and patriot who made the country proud in all public assignments he undertook on behalf of the country – locally and internationally.
“The Party recalls fondly the late Maitama Sule exemplary service as two-time minister and pioneer head of newly established ombudsman body, Public Complaints Commission (PCC).
“As former Nigerian Permanent Representative to the United Nations, the late Maitama Sule chaired the important United Nations Standing Committee Against Apartheid then ravaging South Africa
“The late Maitama Sule also known by his traditional title, Danmasanin Kano, was a patriot who espoused the God given strengths and positive attributes of all the constituent ethnicities that make up our great country Nigeria.
“The late Maitama Sule who contested the presidential ticket of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in 1979 was widely acclaimed for his oratory. His panache endeared him to many, even across political lines.
“Indeed, Nigeria has lost an eminent son whose life’s work and memories will be forever celebrated and remembered. The Party prays the Almighty God give the late Maitama Sule eternal rest and the family, the strength to bear the great loss”.
Governor Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa State, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and former Governor Balarabe Musa of old Kaduna State also joined other Nigerians to mourn Sule.
Al-Makura, in a statement by Ahmed Tukur, his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, said the news of the death of the elder statesman came at a time his wise counsel was needed most in the country.
Al-Makura described the late Sule as a detribalised Nigerian, an Icon of peace and a patriotic Nigerian, who stood for the country and always, defending the course of the common-man.
He said the death of the “Dan masanin Kano was an immeasurable loss to the entire country, adding that the vacuum left would be difficult to fill.
Al-Makura said that the late Sule was an exceptional politician whose experience transverse several continents and greatly contributed to deepen the country’s democratic journey.
He explained that the deceased had helped tremendously in bringing about the needed peace and unity across the country, “a course he was dedicated to until his death.’’
While commiserating with the immediate family, the Emir of Kano and the government and people of Kano state, Al-makura prayed to God to grant the late Dan masanin Kano “Aljanaatu Firdausi’’ (the best part of heaven).
From Kaduna, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) described the death as a monumental national tragedy.
According to a statement by ACF’s National Publicity Secretary, Ali Muhammad, Nigeria has lost a rare gem.
“He was an astute and eloquent administrator per excellence, a great politician, bridge builder who lived a fulfilled life in the service of Nigeria.
“Nigeria and indeed the North have lost a great elder statesman, who endeared himself to all through his promotion of the values which late Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sardauna of Sokoto stood for.
“These include justice, liberty, common decency and equal opportunity for all which most Northerners share.
“However, he would have been happier if the values he died for were being put into practice.’’
The ACF, therefore, calls upon Nigerians to emulate and live up his legacy in our daily lives.
“ACF extends its heartfelt condolences to Kano Emirate Council, the Government and people of Kano State and Nigeria in general.
“We pray Allah (SWT) grant him eternal rest in `Aljannah Firdaus’ and Nigerians the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
Balarabe Musa said the deceased was a great leader who served Nigeria faithfully.
“Nigeria has lost tremendous leader and all should mourn him and I commiserate with the family and pray Allah to grant him alJannatul firdaus,” he said.
“Nigerians should emulate the virtues of Maitama Sule,’’ he added.
Alhaji Musa Shelleng, Youth leader of Northerners living in Anambra State, also called on Nigerians to emulate the late Maitama Sule.
Speaking in Awka, he said Northerners living in the South-East believe in the unity of the nation.
“The other day it was Arewa youths issuing ultimatum on matter that they could not handle.
“All these will not lead us to greatness; we should follow the footsteps of our past patriotic leaders of which Maitama Sule is the last of them.
“He is a man that spent his whole life working for the benefit of the country which means that he is not a sectional leader,” he said.
Shelleng, called on youths all over to country to embrace hard work and stop listening to propaganda of hate as being peddled by some politicians.
“Most of these misunderstandings started from our politicians who are bent on protecting their personal interest.
“Youths of Nigeria should channel their energy in pursuing ventures that will develop the country for the good of all of us,” he said.
Also, the Adamawa State Government condoled with the family and people of Kano on the death of the elder statesman.
Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Malam Ahmad Sajoh, described the death of Maitama as a great loss to the nation.
“We have lost a very great statesman and one of the finest ever produced in Nigeria. He is a voice of the people,” Sajoh said.
All Progressives Congress National Stalwart, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, described Sule as a de-tribalised Nigerian.
He said his death was not only a loss to his family and Kano State but also to the entire country.
Asiwaju Tinubu said in a statement by his Media Office in Lagos: “The death in Cairo, Egypt on Monday of Danmasanin Kano, Alhaji Maitama Sule, is a loss not only to his family, Kano State, but also to Nigeria and Nigerians.
“But we must all be consoled by the fact that he lived to a ripe age. And in his lifetime, he made an indelible mark as a politician, diplomat and statesman.
“He personified what we should all be: Nigerians who know no tribe, region or religion. Danmasanin Kano was a truly detribalised Nigerian. He was always at the vanguard of peace and unity.
“His death has reduced the rank of true nationalists at this time when the nation is in dire need of wise counsel on how to navigate through potential landmines.
“Danmasanin Kano was a rare statesman and an orator who can move mountains with words. I related with him closely and drank from his vast knowledge.
“I will personally miss him. May Almighty Allah grant him Aljanna Fridaus.”
Former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, described Sule as a remarkable politician, an untiring leader and one of the last titans of modern-day Nigeria.
In his condolence message, Daniel expressed grief on the death of the elder statesman whose demise, he stated, was a great loss to his family, the good people of Kano State and the entire nation considering his immense contributions to the political history of Nigeria.
“He was a notable diplomat, political strategist, proficient administrator and an outstanding statesman whose life was that of continuous service and commitment to the well-being of the people. His demise was a great loss to the nation especially the Northern Region which he represented and defended with an undying passion till the end”.
While describing death as an inevitable end, he noted that late Maitama Sule lived a highly courageous and dedicated life in the service of the people and his death ends a glorious chapter in Nigeria’s democratic process.
The former governor then prayed Almighty Allah to grant the soul of the late politician eternal rest, as he enjoined the people of Kano State to accept the death in good faith.
Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State described the late elder statesman as a titan.
This is contained in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Media, Mr Samuel Aruwan.
He said the country would miss the wise counsel of the late Sule.
The governor prayed Allah to grant peaceful repose to the soul of the titan, who he said had reached out to both the young and old.
“Maitama Sule earned and retained the respect of many and was blessed to live to a ripe old age,” the governor added.
El-Rufai also described the late ambassador as a statesman and notable orator, who was among the generation that laid the foundation of modern Nigeria.
“As a young minister in the First Republic, and in other roles in public life, Amb. Maitama Sule served the people of this country with panache and refreshing optimism,” he said.
The governor said it was a privilege to have known the elder-statesman and to have benefited from his prayers and wise counsel.
He said the generation that secured independence and partook in the daunting task of governing a young country was disappearing.
“We thank Allah for their lives and service. We pray for Allah’s mercy on the departed and guidance for those of us that remain as we seek to do our duty to our people and our country,” he added.
Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi, said Sule’s death has robbed the country of a true patriot, nationalist and peace maker.
The Minister, who commiserated with the family of the deceased, the people of Kano State in particular and Nigeria in general, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, described the late Ambassador as a distinguished leader, political thinker, strategist, foremost diplomat, courageous politician and elder statesman who brought a touch of courage and candour to whatever he did.
Fayemi recalled his relationship with the late leader, whom he described as a man who possessed a great depth of wisdom and wit and leader with a huge sense of history. He added that every encounter with the late politician revealed his good nature, his oratorical prowess, as well as his passion for the unity and greatness of Nigeria.
The Minister recalled his last meeting with the late politician in Abuja last week, after he took ill.
“Before then we were putting finishing touches to his book launch. Little did I know that that would be our last meeting”
“Ambassador Maitama Sule was a man of distinction, a compassionate and courageous leader, who was moved more by conviction. He was indeed a good man who stood out among his peers. He was the last of the titans,” Fayemi said.
“There is no doubt Ambassador Maitama Sule’s death has robbed Nigeria and indeed the world of a distinguished citizen, patriot and leader. We shall surely miss his wise counsel and generous spirit at this critical stage of our national life.”
The Minister urged the children of the late elder statesman to be consoled by the good name he left behind, adding: “His was a life well spent”.
Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State described the death as a great loss to Nigeria.
In a statement in Sokoto on Monday by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Malam Imam Imam, Tambuwal described the late orator and former diplomat as a complete gentleman.
Tambuwal said that the deceased had impacted the nation positively in various spheres of human endeavour.
He further described the late astute diplomat as a good citizen, who dedicated his life to the unity, progress and development of Nigeria.
“The people and government of Sokoto State received with shock, the news of the passage of Dan Masanin Kano, Alhaji Maitama Sule.
“Our country has lost a rare breed. A leading light from the old generation has been extinguished.
”He was a complete gentleman whose honesty, commitment and dedication to the unity of Nigeria will forever be cherished.
“Dan Masani’s name will continue to be identified with everything positive about Nigeria and its people.
”Whenever the future generation reads about Dan Masani, they will encounter a man, who was cherished and respected by the high and mighty from all parts of the country,” the governor added.
While praying to Almighty Allah to give his family the strength to bear the loss, Tambuwal extended his condolences to Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi II and the entire people of the state over the loss.
He equally prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the deceased eternal rest.
Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State described the death as a great loss to Nigeria.
Masari,who spoke through his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr Abdu Labaran, in Katsina, said that Sule died at the time when the nation needed people like him to promote unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the country.
‘’It is with sadness and great sense of loss that I received the news of the death of the elder statesman and fine gentleman, Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule, ‘Danmasanin-Kano’.
‘’His death ranks as one of the saddest moments for the nation in recent times, as it robs Nigeria of one of its voices of reason whose level of patriotism was supreme.
‘’His death came at a time of great tribulations for the nation, when his interventions would have come very handy.
‘’Alhaji Maitama Sule’s commitment for the Nigerian cause was unquestionable.
‘’He has lived and died a life of service to the fatherland, and indeed Nigeria and Nigerians missed this great patriot,’’ he said.
Masari, therefore, condoled with Sule’s family and the Kano State government over the death of the great gentleman.
‘’On behalf of the government and people of Katsina state, I extend our condolences to the immediate family of Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule and the government and people of Kano state over this great loss,” he said.
He prayed to the Almighty Allah to grant the deceased eternal rest and give the family the fortitude to bear the loss.
Other prominent Nigerians expressed sadness over the demise.
Former Senate President, Chief Adolphus Wabara, described the late Sule was an encyclopaedia of knowledge and had left an indelible mark.
He said that he was a custodian of Nigeria’s customs and tradition and had left a gap that would be rarely filled.
“Alhaji Maitama Sule left Nigeria when we needed him most and he will be greatly missed. I don’t think Nigeria will find someone, who will step into his shoes.
“He was detribalised and we needed him most at this time of all the problems we have in Nigeria, with issues of restructuring and all that.
“But, we thank God for his life; he lived well,’’ he said.
Wabara prayed for the repose of the elder statesman’s soul, adding that “God gives, God takes. It was his time to go and Nigerians will miss him dearly’’.
Also, a former Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Mrs Pauline Tallen, stated that the late politician’s crave for the continued unity of the country was unmatched.
“My heart is broken because he contributed immensely to the development of the country in his life time. He was a father that we will miss dearly.
“He was an elder statesman that kept preaching the unity of the country and that is what we need in this country now,’’ she said.
Tallen called on Nigerians to pursue peace and unity irrespective of ethnic or religious differences, as the late Sule.
She said, “my plea to all Nigerians is for us to love one another because if we love one another, we will not talk of tribe, religion or ethnic differences.’’
Human rights lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), said that the demise of the elder statesman was an irreparable loss not only to Nigeria but to Africa, adding that he was one of the pioneers of modern Nigeria.
Ozekhome said Nigeria would miss his contribution to current discussions on the restructuring of the country.
“He was a highly detribalised Nigerian. You wouldn’t know whether he was Hausa-Fulani or Yoruba. He spoke at all times for Nigeria.
“He was erudite, honest, and was radically patriotic about the oneness and unity of Nigeria.
“We would have needed the reassuring and the very strong voice of Maitama Sule to call to order the call by some people who want Nigeria dismembered without batting an eye.
“This will make the loss of him more painful,’’ he said.
Similarly, former Director-General, National Institute for Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), Prof. Epiphany Azinge, said that besides his high level of patriotism, Sule’s unbiased views about national issues and oratory were second to none.
Azinge said that the man discharged his duties as diplomat diligently with a lot of integrity and credibility, adding that his gift of oratory skills and articulation were insightful and interesting to listen to.
He said that Sule charted a path for many people and urged Nigerians to emulate him.
“My condolences to the people of Kano State and Nigerians at large for the loss of an illustrious son, a distinguished icon of our time and a legend.
“He was an elder statesman for the better part of his life having been in the corridors of power for a very long time.
“I consider him to be a detribalized Nigeria because he never beat the drums of war or tried to identify himself more as a Northerner than a Nigerian.
“He believed in the unity and indivisibility of Nigeria and we regret that he passed on at this time when his voice would have been heard and listened to with interest.
“We also lost him at a time when his views would have counted much now that there are embers of discord for one thing or the other.
“He will be well remembered and history will register him more positively,’’ he said.
Also mourning the elder statesman, a member of the House of Representatives, Mr Abdulrazak Namdas, said Nigerians would miss his vital contributions and experience, especially at critical periods.
“He is one Nigerian that is detribalised and always wanted to see a united Nigeria as he always preached peace and stability for the country to move forward.
“We require peace at this material time and we would have required him more for the advice he has been giving Nigeria,’’ he said.
Namdas, who is Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, said that though Sule would be missed, God would provide someone that could step into his shoes and continue from where he stopped.
Also, Rep. Babatunde Kolawole (Ondo-APC), said Nigeria and Nigerians would miss the deceased, “who interacted with various sections of the country’’.
He said, “his values speak to and identify with the people’s desire to rid the country of negative influences like corruption.
“He has lived a fulfilled life where he represented Nigeria well in numerous capacities within and outside the country.
“If he had role models like Alhaji Tafawa Balewa, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe and Mallam Aminu Kano, then it’s no wonder that he lived a meaningful life filled with praises and laurels.
“As Nigeria’s representative to the United Nations and later, chairman of United Nations Special Committee against Apartheid, the continent owes him some applause for the fantastic work he did in that capacity.’’
Also reacting, a former presidential aide, Chief Akin Osuntokun, described the late Sule as a unique Nigerian public figure in many respects.
Osuntokun, also a former Managing Director of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said in Ado-Ekiti that ” what really stands out was his political longevity and relevance.’’
“He straddled the First and Second Republics like a political titan; he brought the grace of his social skills to reinforce his political versatility.
” He had a great gift for public relations and oratorial profundity which became a remarkable facility for him to habitually mediate in political conflicts as well as broker peace and rapport
“In this respect, his appointment as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United Nations was most befitting, his old age regardless,’’ Osuntokun added.
Also reacting, former Nigerian Ambassador to Canada, Chief Dare Bejide, said that Nigeria had lost one of the fathers of the nation.
“He was an articulate, passionate, God fearing father of Nigeria; we have indeed lost a gem. May Allah forgive him and grant him aljana firdus,’’ he said.
A former Minister of Health, Chief Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, said he was shocked when he heard the news.
The Chairman of All Progressives Congress in Ekiti, Chief Jide Awe, said the late Sule was ” a statesman indeed. We will remember him for good.’’
