Na’Abba buried in Kano, as NLC mourns
The remains of former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Ghali Na’Abba, has been laid to rest in Kano on Wednesday.
Na’Abba’s corpse was flown into the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport from Abuja.
The late speaker’s corpse was received by family members, friends, and top government functionaries around 3 p.m.
The corpse was then conveyed to the Emir’s palace for a funeral prayer, which was held at about 5:30 p.m.
The prayer was led by the Chief Imam of Kano, Prof. Sani Zahradeen.
Na’Abba’s corpse was buried at Dandolo Cemetery, Goron-Dutse, Gwale Local Government Area of Kano State.
Na’Abba died in the early hours of Wednesday in Abuja after a protracted illness.
Some of the prominent personalities that attended the funeral prayer included the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima; Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin; Deputy Governor of Kano state, Alhaji Aminu Abdulsalam; and Senator representing Kano South senatorial district, Abdulrahman Kawu-Sumaila.
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Others were former governors of the state, Ibrahim Shekarau, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and former governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido, as well as some members of state and National Assembly.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has expressed sadness over the demise of Na’Abba, saying that the country has lost a national hero.
A statement issued by the National President of the NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero, on Wednesday, said that the late former Speaker of the House of Representatives would be remembered for his heroic role in thwarting the third term agenda of the then formidable anti-democratic forces.
The statement read: “We are saddened by the passing away of Ghali Na’Abba, former Honourable Speaker, House of Representatives.
“Ghali Na’Abba will be remembered for his principled stance on national issues, asserting the independence of the Legislature, building of strong institutions ànd championing the cause and course of our nascent democracy at great cost to his person and office.
“In particular, Na’Abba will be remembered for his heroic role in thwarting the third term agenda of the then formidable anti-democratic forces.
“He paid dearly for his role and was not allowed to return to the parliament ever since but he lost nothing of his national status or relevance.
“But beyond thwarting the third term agenda, Ghali Na’Abba is on record to have repeatedly held the executive accountable for their actions almost culminating in the impeachment of the President.
“We at the Congress mourn this fine gentleman, principled politician and one of the greatest heroes of our democracy.”
The NLC condoled with the family of the late former Speaker, his political associates and the leadership of the National Assembly.