Buhari, Ambode, Mimiko, Others Mourn Borno Dep. Gov

Commend Dedication, Loyalty
PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with the government and people of Borno State over the passing away of their deputy governor, Alhaji Zannah Umar Mustapha.

In a statement by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, the President said he received with shock and immense sadness, news of the death of the deputy governor.

According to the statement, “On behalf of himself and the Federal Government, President Buhari extends heartfelt condolences to the late deputy governor’s immediate family and his relatives. The President similarly commiserates with Governor Kashim Shettima and the entire people of Borno State on the loss of Alhaji Mustapha. President Buhari joins Governor Shettima, members of Alhaji Zannah’s family, his friends, political associates, colleagues in the Borno State Government, constituents and supporters in praying that Almighty Allah will receive his soul and grant him eternal rest.”

Mustapha, according to family sources, died in the early hours of yesterday in Yola, Adamawa State, aged 50, and is survived by a wife and three children.

The deceased was to have represented Governor Kashim Shettima at the convocation of Modibbo Adama University of Science and Technology (MUSTEC), Yola before his demise.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, also expressed shock over the sudden death.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Turaki Hassan, Dogara, who commiserated with the Mustapha family, government and people of Borno State, described the late deputy governor as a patriot and a selfless leader.

The Speaker said Mustapha’s death is a major setback for the state, which is struggling to come out of devastation as a result of attacks by Boko Haram insurgents in the last five years.

He described Mustapha as a pillar of support for Governor Kashim Shettima since they came into power in May 2011.

“My special condolence goes to the Mustapha family. I pray God would grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” Dogara said.

The Speaker recalled that the late deputy governor represented Shettima at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) delegates’ conference and received an award on behalf of his boss. “The late Mustapha spoke passionately about resolve and determination to rebuild, reconstruct, rehabilitate and recover the North East through the implementation of a marshal plan by the Federal government,” he said.

The Speaker added that although Mustapha could not live to see the actualisation of the initiative, leaders from the region at all levels are determined to push for the realization of the objective.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) also expressed deep shock and sadness at the death.

In a statement issued in Lagos by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, yesterday, the party described Mustapha’s demise as a huge loss to his family, his party, his state and the country.

“The suddenness of his passing has deepened the pain caused by his death,” it said, praying that God would comfort his family and give them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

The APC also commiserated with the people and government of Borno State and prayed God to grant the repose of his soul.