HE DIED A HUMBLE MAN — NAFADA

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, has Alhaji Usman Nafada, has reacted to the death of former President Umaru Yar'Adua on Thursday, saying that he left a legacy of 'humility and exemplary leadership.'

'The late President Yar'Adua was a gentleman, a man of honour who lived an exemplary life of self denial, selfless service and commitment to justice, fairness and transparency,' a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Hammeed Bello, quoted Nafada as saying this in Abuja.

'Yar'Adua will be remembered for his nationalistic posture, his efforts in bringing lasting peace to the country, especially, in the Niger Delta region, via the amnesty programme of the Federal Government, his penchant for the rule of law and the principles of separation of power and zero tolerance for corruption,' the statement added.

The Minority Whip of the House, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, also condoled with the family of the former president.

'There is no death that is not painful; my heart goes out to his immediate family', Gbajabiamila told our correspondent in a telephone interview.

Gbajabiamila, who is also the Leader of the Caucus of the Action Congress in the House, however blamed the so-called cabal that shrouded Yar'Adua' health condition in secrecy for his death.