Mark, IBB, Abdulsalami mourns Gimba former ANA President.

——-as Senate President harps on nation's unity
President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, former Heads of State, General Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar among others witnessed the interment of the former President of the Association of Nigeria Authors (ANA), Alhaji Abubakar Gimba.

Gimba died in the early hours of Thursday and was subsequently buried in accordance with the Islamic rites in Minna , Niger State today.

The serene State capital stood still for hours, as thousands of people trooped to the prayer ground before the interment . Imam Ibrahim Fari conducted the prayer session to bid Gimba farewell.

At the family compound of the late Gimba, Senator Mark described him as an intellectual of very high repute whose works cut across ethnic, religious and political boundaries.

The Senate President noted that Gimba was a pan-Nigerian who believed and worked hard for the unity of the nation.

Senator Mark said Gimba who served as his Special Adviser on Economic and Public Policy matters between 2007 and 2011 was a rare patriot, a prolific writer and a relentless fighter for the enthronement of human rights and freedom of the press.

The President of the Senate recalled that late Gimba then Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Planning and later Finance when he was Military Governor of Niger State in the 80s was one of his pillars that aided him to succeed in the State.

He noted that Gimba was a courageous and honest man whose works will stand the test of time “because I know his works would outlive generations.”

Senator Mark used the occasion to appreciate his former bosses; Babangida and Abdulsalami whom he described as great mentors to him in both professional and otherwise .

He recalled with nostalgia the mentorship he received from the duo even when he was neither from their ethnic or religious backgrounds, saying” this is what we need to forge unity across the length and breath of Nigeria.”

For Mark ,”this is how we should live. Nigerians must inculcate and emulate these attributes. We must see ourselves as one people with one destiny. We must work for our peace and unity. We must all work for the common good for all Nigerians”.

In their remarks, Babangida and Abdulsalami regretted that late Gimba was an illustrious son of Niger who contributed to the development of the State.

They were however consoled that late Gimba live an accomplished life worthy of emulation.

Signed:
Paul Mumeh
Chief Press Secretary to the President of the Senate

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