BY SEGUN ADEBAYO, ABUJA – Immediate past President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, on Tuesday described the demise of the former chief whip of the Senate, Senator Kanti Bello, as tragic, saying the lawmaker was “pragmatic, courageous and fearless parliamentarian.”
Reacting to the demise of Senator Bello in Abuja today, Senator Mark noted that late lawmaker’s exit has created a vacuum in the contemporary politics of Nigeria.
According to a press statement issued by the Media Assistant to Mark, Paul Mumeh, “Bello’s death is particularly painful as it came at a time when his wealth of experience and knowledge would have been needed to navigate through the murky political waters.
“Bello was a vibrant and fearless parliamentarian who identified with the ordinary people in the society. He dislikes and abhors oppression. He believes in the rule of law and justice for all.”
He noted that late Bello will be remembered for his meritorious services to mankind and country even as he urged the bereaved family to take solace In the fact that Bello left his positive footprint on the sand of time.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has expressed sadness at the demise of Senator Kanti Bello.
According to a press statement signed by Turaki Hassan, Special Adviser (Media) to the Speaker, “The Speaker, who described the loss of the elder statesman as painful, said that he lived a life of service to the country and embodied patriotic and democratic ideals.
“Alhaji Kanti Bello was a grassroots politician who served the country meritoriously in many capacities, including that of distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He left behind a legacy of patriotism and service.
“I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the people and government of Katsina State, and indeed the entire country over the loss of such a great Nigerian”, he said.
Bello died in Abuja today at the age of 72 years. The two-term senator from Katsina State, from Daura Senatorial Zone between 2003-2007 and 2007-2011, once served as the pioneer Managing Director of Katsina Steel Rolling Mill.
According to Kabir Faskari, a younger brother to former Katsina State Deputy Governor, Abdullahi Faskari, confirmed the death in a statement.
“I am directed to inform everybody that we lost Senator Kanti Bello early hours of this mourning (Tuesday) at Abuja. Burial arrangement will be announced later,” he said.
