Saraki, Dogara Mourn Late Senator Wakili
The Senate President Bukola Saraki and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara have described as shocking and devastating the sudden death of Senator Ali Wakili.
Until his untimely death on Saturday morning after reportedly slumping at his Gwarimpa district residence in Abuja, Senator Wakili, 58, represented Bauchi South Senatorial district in the upper legislative chamber.
A statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu in Abuja said the Senate President, Bukola Saraki expressed deep sadness over the sudden death of the Senator.
Reacting to the news, Dr Saraki described the late Senator as a vibrant lawmaker and public servant who was very passionate about his assignment and engagements in the Senate, especially his Chairmanship of the Senate Committee on Poverty Alleviation and other committees where he served as a member.
According to the statement, a tearful Saraki noted that “Mallam Ali Wakili is one lawmaker you can never be in doubt where he stands on a particular issue. He spoke his mind fearlessly,”
The Senate President further said; “His contributions at plenary were always very incisive and rich. I find it difficult to acknowledge that he will not resume plenary with us next Tuesday.
“My heart goes out to his family, the 8th Senate and the government and people of Bauchi State over the loss of this conscientious and patriotic Nigerian. He shall be sorely missed.”
Olaniyonu stated that Dr Saraki was at the late Senator’s Abuja residence where he commiserated with his immediate and extended family members on their sad loss.
He prayed Allah to grant Mallam Wakili a place among the righteous in Aljannah Firdaus and his family and loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
In his reaction, the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara said the news of Senator Wakili’s death was heart breaking, describing him as a brother and confidant.
A statement by the Speaker said late Senator Wakili was ‘a personal friend, true brother and dependable ally.’
”The death of Sen. Ali Wakili is a personal loss to me. I’m short of words to describe how devastated and heartbroken I am over the passing away of this true friend, brother and confidant, with whom I had excellent brotherly relationship and association”, the Speaker said.
According to him, “We have indeed lost a distinguished parliamentarian, easy going and courageous person who had worked tirelessly both in the Senate chamber and outside to defend the interest of his constituents, Bauchi State and the downtrodden members of the society in the country at large”.
“Within his short but eventful sojourn in the National Assembly, Senator Wakili had distinguished himself with his characteristic display of patriotism, forthrightness and logical skills during debates and other legislative duties”.
Speaker Dogara further said; “We in Bauchi State and in particular, Bauchi South Senatorial District, have lost a worthy ambassador and a distinguished gentleman. But we’ll take solace in the fact that his humanitarian services and other accomplishments will continue to be a source of inspiration to us all.
“Our deep condolences go to his immediate family, constituents, the people of Bauchi State and the nation at large over this irreparable loss.”
He therefore prayed God Almighty to grant his soul eternal rest.
