President, Northern States Governors Mourn Umaru Dikko

President Goodluck Jonathan and the Northern States Governors Forum expressed sadness over the death of a renowned political leader and Minister of Transportation during the Second Republic, Umaru Dikko on Tuesday, 1 July.

Mr. Umaru Dikko died early Tuesday in a London hospital at the age of 78

Mr. Umaru Dikko died early Tuesday in a London hospital at the age of 78

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, the President said he received with immense sadness and a deep feeling of great loss the news of the passing away of the highly revered politician.

The statement said: “President Jonathan firmly believes that Alhaji Umaru Dikko’s significant contributions, especially his life-long advocacy for stronger political parties, greater discipline within political parties and the supremacy of political parties have assured him of a place in the annals of Nigeria’s political development. He prays that God Almighty will receive Alhaji Umaru Dikko’s soul and grant him eternal rest.”

The President also expressed his condolences to Dikko’s family, friends and political associates, stressing out that he played a leading role in the National Party of Nigeria which controlled the Federal Government, continued to actively contribute to the nurturing and strengthening of democracy in Nigeria until the end of his life.

The Northern States Governors Forum has described the death of Dikko as a further depletion in the ranks of leaders from the North with exemplary leadership skills, adding that it was time for sober reflection.

“This is indeed another sad episode to the already challenging times Nigeria is passing through as a country. The demise of our leaders, should remind us that the place of the youths is now, not tomorrow. The youths of today must therefore show signs of leadership by eschewing violence, steering clear of sentiments and avoid ethno-religious balkanisation of the country so that we can grow Nigeria to attain its position in the committee of nations.”

Mr. Umaru Dikko died early Tuesday in a London hospital at the age of 78, his family in London and Zaria in Kaduna State revealed. According to Umary Dikko’s son, he has been sick for “quite some time” and suffered three strokes in a row.

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