APC, Tinubu, Saraki Extol Audu's Virtues

Source: thewillnigeria.com

SAN FRANCISCO, November 23, (THEWILL) – The national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Monday mourned the death of its governorship candidate in Kogi State, Prince Abubakar Audu, describing him as “one of our stars, a democrat par excellence, a development-oriented leader and a beacon for the liberation of Kogi State from its apparent decay.”

In a statement signed by the party's National Secretary, Mai Mala Buni, the party said Audu was a Prince of hope, a symbol of peace and an apostle of unity and reintegration of Kogi State.

“We commiserate with his family and the great people of Kogi State for having a strong belief in Abubakar Audu’s capacity to redeem the state.”

The demise of Prince Abubakar Audu has no doubt created a big vacuum in Kogi State and APC but we take solace in the fact that God gives, God takes. He might have physically transited but he will forever be spiritually and politically relevant not only in Kogi State but in Nigeria.

“We appeal to the people of the state to see Audu’s death as an act of God. There should be no recourse to lawlessness or vindictiveness in whatever form. The only honour we can do Prince Abubakar Audu is to remain peaceful and resolve to be undaunted in preserving the adorable ideals he lived for. It was evident to all that he ran a good race, he played his part well and he earned a rare rating as an exemplary leader,” the statement further stated.

In his tribute, the APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, described Audu's death as sorrowful and shocking, saying “he died before his time, this is a wrenching loss that saddens me greatly.”

In a statement issued by his media office, Tinubu said: “Prince Audu’s death reminds us of our mortality. None of us are on this

earth forever. While here, we must make positive impact. We must strive towards good.

“I first knew Prince Audu Abubakar roughly 30 years. He was a good friend. A good man. Some may not have known this but Prince Audu was a renowned financial expert, well known in banking circles before his entry into politics.

From banking to politics, Prince Audu became a dominant feature of our national landscape. He was an industrious man and a determined, hardworking leader with few equals. He was consummate in the art of politics. Yet, Audu was also dedicated to the betterment of his people.

“Very kind, generous and at ease with his friends and with the people, Audu wanted to make his state a better place. That was his driving concern. His people loved him because of this and he loved them in return. He was a man of great vision, committed to the Nigerian project and committed to the well-being of his people. He loved Kogi passionately.”

Describing Audu as a visionary leader, Senate President, Bukola Saraki, said in a condolence message signed by his special adviser on media and publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, said Audu's death was painful and shocking.

Condoling with the immediate family of the deceased, the government and people of Kogi State and the national and state executives as well as members of the APC over the irreparable loss, Saraki recalled the tenacity of purpose and unwavering loyalty of the deceased who he said remained committed to the cause of his people and his party to the very last moment of his life.

Saraki said: “He was selfless, steadfast and patriotic in his services to the people of Kogi State and beyond. He was a visionary and patriotic party faithful. All his life time, he lived for the people. His death is extremely painful but we cannot question the will of the Almighty Allah in the present sorrowful circumstances.”

According to Saraki, “Audu, was a leader in all ramifications. He died when his services to the good people of Kogi State and Nigeria in general were most needed. We cannot but recall how committed and firm he was to his policies and pro-people ideology. His death is simply unbearable.”