By Olusegun Emmanuel, Abuja.
President of the Senate, Senator David Mark yesterday wept over the death of Chairman, Senate Committee on Federal Character Senator Dahiru Awaisu Kuta .
Senator Kuta was a Senator representing Niger East Senatorial zone under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He was said to have died yesterday morning in Lagos on his way for a medical check up . .
A statement signed by Mark’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Paul, Mumeh, said the President of the senate lamented that the cold hand of death has robbed the Senate and indeed the nation of a brilliant, vibrant and result – oriented lawmaker who distinguished himself in all ramifications .
According to Mark: ” Senator Kuta was a fore front parliamentarian. His views and positions unarguably represented those of the ordinary Nigerian. Indeed he stood for the masses . That was why he enjoyed the sobriquet of ‘comrade Senator’ on the floor of the Red chamber.
“His death has no doubt created a vacuum. We shall miss his humour . We shall miss his frank, honest and patriotism . He was a rare gem.
“Senator Kuta’s easy and calm disposition endears him to all. . He was a good mixer and every body saw in him a true friend. He was just a pleasant fellow.
“My heart goes to his immediate family, the government and people of Niger State as well as the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria over this painful loss.”
Senator Mark was however consoled that late Senator Kuta left a positive, indelible mark on the sand of time. He prayed that the Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest just as he prayed that God gives the government and people of Niger State especially the bereaved the fortitude to bear this painful loss.
Similarly, Senators colleagues of the late Awaisu Kuta described him as a vibrant, focused and dedicated lawmaker.
in a statement in Abuja, Senate spokesman, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe said Senator Kuta who until his death represent Niger East in the Senate, died in the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) in the early hours of Thursday.
Senator Kuta he said was one of the most resourceful senators who loved his people dearly and worked assiduously for the good of not only his state, constituency but also for the country.
“He was a Nigerian patriot per excellence. A development oriented lawmaker and one that believed and worked for oneness of the country, a believe he amply exhibited as chairman of the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Intergovenmental Affairs”, he said.
Senator Abaribe also informed in the statement, that the tate Kuta is scheduled to be buried Thursday afternoon according to his family’s burial plan.
The senate he said condoles the government and people of Niger State in particular people of Niger East Senatorial District.
“Senate prays for the repose of his soul and for God to grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss”, he said.
The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu has expressed shock and grief over the death of the Senator representing Niger East Senatorial District, late Senator Dahiru Awaisu Kuta.
Senator Ekweremadu who described the death as an “incalculable loss to the Senate and the nation”, said late Senator Kuta was a dependable Senator who discharged his responsibilities most creditable and efficiently.
He said: “Distinguished Senator Kuta was a brother, friend and a paragon of integrity, principle, courage, and competence. He was a pan-Nigerian who loved his country from the depth of his heart and worked selflessly towards its development. His death truly hit where it hurts most and I am pained that he did not live to see the Nigeria of our collective dream, which he worked so hard for, fully emerge from the challenges of the moment.
“His death has indeed bored in the heart of the Senate a hole that will be very hard to fill up. He will forever be remembered for his conviviality, robust and insightful contributions on the floor of the Senate, and total commitment to the overall institutional success of the National Assembly.”
The Deputy President of the Senate condoled with the family of the departed Senator as well as the Government and people of Niger State over the sad event.
He prayed God to imbue them and the Senate the grace and equanimity to bear the irreparable loss and grant the deceased a peaceful repose.
