Jonathan, Mark, Others Condole With CJN Over Wife’s Death

Leadership (Abuja)

George Agba

10 May 2011

Kuni Tyessi And Ahuraka Yusuf Isah, Joseph Wantu And George Okojie — President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday expressed shock and sadness over the death of the wife of the chief justice of Nigeria (CJN), Mrs. Victoria Mimi Katsina-Alu, saying she was a quintessential wife and partner who catered for, and gave the needed support to her husband. In a condolence letter written on behalf of his family, the government and people of Nigeria, Jonathan also condoled with the CJN, Justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu, and members of his family.

A statement by his special adviser on media and publicity, Mr. Ima Niboro, quoted Jonathan as saying: “The suddenness and manner of her passing must understandably be a source of great grief to you. You should however find solace in the fact that she lived a richly-fulfilled Christian life of consummate dedication and service to God and community.

“I am also aware that she was a quintessential wife and partner, providing the needed support for you in the discharge of your onerous responsibilities as our nation’s number one judicial officer. As I pray that God Almighty grants her soul eternal rest, I also pray that he imbues you with the requisite strength to cope with this very painful loss.”

Also, the first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan,and the Senate president David Mark have condoled with the CJN over the death of his wife.

Mrs Katsina-Alu was killed when a Gmelina tree cracked and fell on her. Her husband was injured by a branch. The tree was uprooted by a wind-storm which disrupted the couple’s leisure in their country home.

Family sources said the deceased, who would have turned 54 next month, was picked up unconscious and rushed to a nearby hospital in Gboko alongside her husband who was also hit by a branch of the tree. There, she was confirmed dead by the attending doctor.

In a condolence letter received by the family, Mrs. Jonathan stated that her death “is a great loss not only to the family and the people of Benue State but to the entire nation, especially the women folk.”

According to the first lady, the deceased would be remembered for her courage and deep thoughts, particularly for dogged determination in meeting the needs of others.

Mark also condoled with the CJN, saying that the death of his wife was irreparable.

In a message of condolence which was sent to the family, the Senate president eulogised the memories of Mrs. Katsina- Alu and said her demise came when she was most needed by her husband and members of the family.

Praying for the repose of her soul and encouraging members of her family to take solace in the legacies she left behind, Mark said ‘the death of Mrs. Katsina-Alu at this time was unfortunate and painful. “The sudden death was shocking and truly devastating .I share in this pain. It is an irreparable loss. I pray her gentle soul rest in the bosom of the Lord.”

In the same vein, Edo State governor Adams Oshimhole has expressed deep shock over the sudden death of the CJN’s wife.

Oshimhole, who described the deceased as a mother and a devout Christian, said in a letter of condolence that “much as Mrs. Katsina-Alu’s loss is painful to bear, we urge you to take heart and trust that her faithful lord cannot be wrong in his judgment on how long she sojourned on earth”.

Others who condoled with the CJN and visited the residence of the bereaved include the governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam, and Senator George Akume.

Other dignitaries were the governors of Rivers and Kebbi states, Dr. Rotimi Amaechi and Alhaji Saidu Dakingari, minister of justice Mr. Mohammed Adoke, and Alhaji Adamu Aleiro, among others.

Meanwhile, the administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Justice Umaru Eri, has condoled with the CJN over the death of his wife.

Justice Eri described the death as a sad one and prayed the Almighty God to grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Also, the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, yesterday expressed shock and deep sadness at the sudden death of the wife of the CJN.

In a condolence letter to the widower, Justice Katsina-Alu, Fashola said: “Coming on a day when she had so wonderfully played her role, as she had done over the years, as a caring mother to all at a niece’s wedding and in such a circumstance, I am indeed at a loss for adequate words to console you over this most unexpected exit from life’s centre stage.”

AllAfrica – All the Time