By Ishaya Ibrahim, News Editor
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday charged leaders at all levels
across the country to emulate the humility, patriotism, selflessness and
life of service that was the hallmark of the first civilian governor of Lagos State and former Minister of Works, Alhaji Lateef Jakande.
Jakande died in his Ilupeju, Lagos home on Thursday and was buried on Friday in accordance with Islamic rites.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, the PDP said it was saddened by Jakande’s death.
The party described him as a quintessential statesman; very prudent administrator and exceptionally self-sacrificing leader, whose life remains a true stencil and source of inspiration for younger generation of leaders.
“Alhaji Jakande’s leadership footprints remain indelible in his unprecedented development of Lagos state, including urban development,
transportation, railways, road infrastructure, mass education, healthcare, economic empowerment as well as investment in mass housing infrastructure across Lagos state,” the statement said.
“Indeed, Alhaji Jakande’s exceptional patriotism is demonstrated in his
manifest spurn for materialism and sacrificing of his comfort for the
benefit of the society. His reputation of using his personal vehicle and
house, while serving as a state governor, demonstrates his persuasion
that leadership is about serving the people and not for personal
aggrandizements.
“Our party also recalls Alhaji Jakande’s patriotic role in the
development of the Nigerian media industry especially in instilling
professionalism as well as stabilizing the industry with the
establishment of the Newspapers Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria
(NPAN).”
Describing Jakande’s death as the exit of the last of first generation progressives, the PDP said it was more saddening that he left at a time the nation needed his wealth of experience and wise counsel the most.
The opposition party commiserated with the Jakande family, the government and people of Lagos state and prayed God to grant the nation the fortitude to bear the loss of one of her brightest patriots.
