NIGERIANS WILL MISS HIS WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE — MARK, KALU

The President of the Senate, David Mark, described the death of former governor of old Kano State, Alhaji Abubakar Rimi, as a great loss to Nigeria.

Also, former governor of Abia State, Orji Kalu, has said that Nigerians will miss the 'perfect gentleman, radical politician' that Rimi was in his lifetime.

In a condolence message to the government and people of Kano State, Mark said Rimi's demise at this point in the nation's history had robbed Nigerians of his wealth of experience, which was needed to navigate Nigeria's murky political waters.

Mark said Rimi would be remembered most for his positive contributions to the political development of Nigeria. According to Mark, 'Rimi was a politician of inestimable value. He played politics of honesty, integrity and without bitterness. He was an advocate of equity, respect for human rights, rule of law and upheld democratic principles at all times. His death is a tragedy. We shall miss his frank disposition to national issues, knowledge and political sagacity.

'He combined the rare attribute of conservative and liberal political theories to achieve results. He was a good ambassador of the political class. He left his positive footprints on the sands of time.'

Mark urged the people of Kano State, especially Rimi's immediate family, to take solace in the fact that he lived an eventful and exemplary life worthy of emulation.

Meanwhille, in a statement titled 'Rimi, beautiful face of Nigerian politics,' Kalu said Rimi's demise was an indication that 'a true progressive has left us. Perfect gentleman, radical politician. The beautiful face of Nigerian politics.The first governor to resign honorably from office.'

In the statement made available by his Special Assistant (Media), Mr. Emeka Obasi, the former governor, who sent the statement from South Africa, described Rimi as a truly new Nigerian who knew neither tribe nor tongue.

'Alhaji Rimi favoured a handshake across the Benue and was indeed an agent of change. He dined in the West, slept in the East, played in the South but hailed from the North. I never saw him in suits until his day as bestman at Chief Jim Nwobodo's wedding.'