• The All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership on Wednesday expressed grief over the death of one of its leaders, Senator Mahmud Kanti-Bello.

    The party in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, offered “its condolences to the family, the people and government of Katsina State, the Senate and indeed the entire nation over the loss.”

    The statement, however, thanked God for the fallen Senator’s life, while praising him for his selfless service to fatherland and patriotism..

    “While the death of the late Senator Mahmud Kanti-Bello is sad and painful, we must continue to thank the Almighty Allah for the long and impactful life he had lived.

    “As many who were closely associated with the late Senator will attest, he will be remembered for his political principles and as a vocal defender of progressive causes. The APC recalls fondly the nationalistic role played by the late senator who supported the National Assembly’s decision to invoke the doctrine of necessity on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 to empower the Vice President Goodluck Jonathan at the time to serve as acting president.

    “The late federal legislator and grassroots politician during his two-term in the Senate supported legislation that ensured accountability at all levels of government, people-centred policies and initiatives to develop the country.

    “Indeed the party and nation have lost a progressive voice who always spoke truth to those in power irrespective of partisan, religious or ethnic considerations.

    “We pray the Almighty Allah have mercy on his beloved soul, grant him Aljanna Firdaus and give the family the strength to bear the loss. Amin.”