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  • Ghali Na’Abba (1968-2003)

    Ghali Na’Abba (1968-2003)

    • He was a model politician

    It is rare that a politician of Ghali Na’Abba’s calibre passes through our clime. Na’Abba, who died at 65, was a man whose plutocratic origins belie the battle that defined his political career and also, paradoxically, chastened his ability to offer more services to his fatherland.

    He is known principally for two episodes. One was his role to save democracy from a leader who, in the guise of a constitutional reform, wanted to foist a third term on the country and make one man more important than a collective will.

    Two, he led an impeachment move against President Olusegun Obasanjo. Although he could not muster the required two/third as prescribed by the constitution, he would rather fail on his feet than grovel before a man whose military residues still overshadowed a democracy in its first shoots.

    President Obasanjo had worked the men and resources in the parliament, bureaucracy, civil society organisations and other sectors to craft a constitution that would replace the 1999 one given to us by soldiers, his constituency. He wanted to show himself a democrat rather than a man of guns. But he turned out to be no better. In fact, he was more the autocrat in a republican toga as he put a poison vial in the form of a third term in an otherwise great document. We lost both the body and bath water and we had no choice. Thanks to Na’Abba’s leadership.

    By that move, he asserted the independence of the judiciary, a scar that still defaces our parliamentary practice today. The late speaker showed himself a model of parliamentary pride. We have never had any episode so stout by a legislature to demonstrate institutional integrity of the law chamber like Na’Abba.

    He suffered for this because he was never allowed by conspiracy to return to the house. It is a testament that principle pays only as a tortured hero.

    Born September 27, 1958, Na’bba grew up in wealth and in the ambience of aristocratic magnificence. But his comfort was resisted by the political establishment of the old Northern People’s Congress (NPC) because, in Kano, the reigning party was Aminu Kano’s Northern Elements Progressive Union, a radical realm in a conservative region. In the same mould, he also embraced the Kano palace and its aristocratic privileges, just as when the Ado Bayero visited his primary school.

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    “He was such a humble man. He walked up to me, knelt down, held my hand, and said I am a human being like you, that I should speak and not be afraid of him. Then I started talking and eventually said what I was told to say. It was a very interesting episode.”

    He also saw the political highflyers of the day and city.

    Hear him: “I grew up in a family that was rich but also radical – that influenced a lot about my life. I used to have a lot of friends and was very liberal with money. When I was growing up in my family, I met a lot of people who were not even members of the family but were bearing the family’s name. Not only were my parents rich but were also community leaders.”

    He recalled meeting men like the late Maitama Sule and Ibrahim Kashashi, as well as other ministers, some of them visited his grandfather.

    “Right then, I started entertaining the idea that I should be a minister…in fact, that inspired me a lot to study political science. But destiny later played out as I became more than a minister – I became Nigeria’s number four citizen.”

    He never gave up and even became part of the Coalition for Electoral Reform. He was not just a lawmaker; he was a conscience of our politics.

  • Adieu, the Lion: Tribute to Ghali Na’Abba

    Adieu, the Lion: Tribute to Ghali Na’Abba

    • By Rimamnde Shawulu Kwewum

    The news of the demise of the Hon Ghali Umar Na’Abba early on Wednesday was devastating. He, his family members and close friends had hoped and prayed hard for healing. No matter how death comes, I have always thought, however expected, no matter the circumstances, it leaves behind pains.

    He was born on September 27, 1958, in Tudun Wada quarters, Municipal Local Government Area, Kano State. He was born into a family steeped in politics, power and business.

    Na’Abba started his education at the Jakara Primary School, Kano after which he proceeded to Rumfa College, Kano and graduated in 1974.

    He studied for his Advanced Levels at the College of Arts and Science (CASS), Kano, from where he proceeded to the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria to study political science.

    Na’Abba was exposed to radical political views early as a child through his father who was an active member of the Northern Elements Progressives Union (NEPU).

    He lived in the same area as Mallam Aminu Kano, the unflappable leader of the radical NEPU and who surrounded himself with books that the young Na’Abba used to take home to read. That was how he got exposed to radical political literature.

    Na’Abba graduated from the Ahmadu Bello University in 1979 when Nigeria’s Second Republic was ushered in. His exposure to politics started in 1978 when political parties were being formed preparatory to military handover to civilian rule in 1979.

    Na’Abba joined the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) while still in his final year in the university. 

     The late Alhaji Bashir Tofa, his mother’s brother was a member of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN). His uncle’s pull was too strong and the young Ghalib left the PRP and joined the NPN, though more as a supporter.

    His sojourn in partisan politics started in 1993, when he joined the National Republican Convention (NRC) to assist his uncle, Alhaji Bashir Tofa, who was the party’s presidential candidate during the Gen. Ibrahim Babangida transition programme, and worked mainly in his constituency – Kano Municipal Area.

    The NRC defeated the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in his constituency during the presidential election but lost in the state which voted for SDP’s Moshood Abiola.

    He made many friends and this helped him a lot when he decided to contest for the House of Representatives in 1999.

    Some members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) had approached him to contest for the House of Representatives to represent Kano Municipal federal constituency.

    He was later elected Speaker of the House a few months after the house was inaugurated and following the resignation of Buhari Salisu, who was removed for lying about his date of birth and for certificate forgery.  Na’Abba was unanimously elected as Buhari’s successor, even though most members of the house did not even know him as the house was just settling down.  “I did not campaign to be speaker; I did not tell anybody that I wanted to be speaker. It was my colleagues who decided that I should lead them and that was what happened. Eventually I was the only person to be nominated for the position,” he said in an interview with AmazingTimes before his death.

    I was introduced to him early in 2000 by the Hon. Adams Chigwa Jagaba Adams. The meeting took place in the official residence of the Speaker, House of Representatives. After a few minutes’ interaction, he asked me to join him as his legislative aide.  Reluctantly, I had to abandon my position in Jos, where Governor Joshua Dariye had appointed me a member of the Interim Management Committee of the Plateau State publishing company. I was living my dream of reviving the Standard newspapers with the clearly spelt out objective of returning the newspaper to its lost glory. Jonathan Ishaku the Chairman of the committee had committed to me the task of running both the editorial and circulation departments. My surrogate uncle, Dr Bala Takaya was visibly upset that I had to leave such an assignment in Jos for Abuja. I came under the tremendous pressure of Hon. Jagaba to move to Abuja to become a legislative aide. If I remember correctly, I think Hon Jagaba got to Jos where his family was residing and insisted on driving me to Abuja himself where I resumed immediately. As a matter of fact, Rt Hon Ghali Umar Na’Abba was surprised that I had not resumed earlier.

    We had no offices and usually crowded into the tiny office of the Chief of Staff, Haruna Ginsau, now a retired ambassador. I became the secretary of the meetings of the principal staff of the speaker. It was there I came face to face with office politics and discovered how naïve and unschooled I was. One of the things I learnt working in the Office of the Speaker then was that you could fly as high as your imagination and proactiveness. In the office of the Speaker, the principal officers came from nearly all parts of the country. Sebastian Agbinda, his classmate from Zaria as Special Adviser Special Duties; Chief Odiri, for Edo Economic Affairs; Hon Ezuiche Ubani, Abia, Media; Dr Wachi Anwar, Kano, Political Affairs; Ambassador Victor Udoyen, Akwa Ibom, Foreign Affairs and myself, Taraba State, Legislative Affairs.

    As his legislative liaison, I was expected to review committee reports, among other responsibilities. Of course, at its infancy the committee reports had no format or standard. In one case, after more than a week tour, a committee turned into a two-page report detailing the names of members who traveled places and the dates of the trip. Many more got back to give verbal briefings.

    One sore point at that time was the role of the legislative aides. Apart from the presiding officers’ aides who were in the pay roll of the National Assembly, legislative aides of the other members had their salaries paid into the accounts of their bosses at whose pleasure they served. I recall that once, Haruna Ginsau, the Chief of Staff, was asked to rise with the Clerk of the House to provide the functions of the legislative aides. A list of don’ts, numbering up to 19 or so was brought back with only one yes    for Legislative Aides. For the bureaucracy, legislative aides were an unnecessary package, who had no place in the scheme of things.

    Ghali Umar Na’Abba and Senator Pius Ayim, after the inauguration of the National Assembly Service Commission, began the process of integrating legislative aides into the National Assembly. He was a leader who allowed talent flourish. He was very receptive to ideas and would let those who bring out ideas to test them out. Several chairmen of committees who preferred ideas were busy conducting legislative affairs that included local and foreign travels. Naturally, those who did not have such ideas felt that Ghali had favorites. At one point when the criticisms, including falsehood, were so loud, we decided to arrange an interaction between him and the general public. It was a live internet chat anchored by Malam Ayuba Adamu who was administering a lively Yahoo group. Hundreds of Nigerians around the world hooked up; the Nigerian Television Authority, I think, recorded and cured the interactions. Arguably it was the first time a Nigerian leader had such a live interaction with bandwidth that was provided by Sonny Odogwu’s Siotel.

    Ghali was eager to learn and copy best practices. He sent the Committee on health to Uganda to understudy the regulatory environment that made Uganda a success in combating HIV/AIDS. As an outcome of the tour of Uganda, a bill on the Establishment of Nigerian Commission on HIV/AIDS, sponsored by him and some members, was proposed. The bill was however stepped down for the executive bill on the establishment of the NACA. He also sponsored a bill to establish a commission to champion ICT development and training. This was also modelled after the Indian example, which saw to the development of ICT as a major foreign exchange generating sector in India, a similar executive bill resulted in the creation of the NITDA. Towards the end of his tenure, he sponsored series of bills under the Infrastructural Development bill Initiative.

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    He was soft spoken but tough within. At least nine different attempts were made to remove him from office. All plots failed, including the plot in which members of the House were induced with five hundred thousand naira each to sign an impeachment notice. Some members refused and at least two of them collected the five hundred thousand naira and handed to Hon Adams Jagaba, Chairman of the House on Ethics and Privileges. The following morning, the money was brought into the chambers of the House during plenary as evidence of an attempt to remove the Speaker.

    “I couldn’t have survived the impeachments without those patriotic members. I thank my deputy, Chibudom Nwuche and all the principal officers, who stood behind me”, Na’Abba had said in an interview with AmazingTimes. (www.amazingtimesng.com)

    The national outrage at the mega discovery of bribe to remove the Speaker brought some calm to the legislative. Before then, there had been the face-off between the National Assembly and the Executive over the bill to create the Niger Delta Development Commission. The bill was vetoed by President Olusegun Obasanjo over the percentage of the oil revenue that would go to the commission. The National Assembly voted to override the Presidential Veto. That was the first and last time the National Assembly (or any state House of Assembly) has been able to override a veto by the executive at any level – presidential or state.

    He effectively managed the political and regional diversity in the house by carrying all the various groups along. He ran an open-door policy and ensured that appointments of chairmen of committees were all inclusive. He knew every member by name and members who thought he did not know then were soon surprised when he called them by name

    He was an advocate of the independence of the legislature and he championed this with passion. This struggle for the independence of the legislature always put him at odds with the executive which did not like the idea of an independent legislature.

    Then came the 2003 elections. His efforts to get back to the House were thwarted, though he successfully clinched the PDP ticket. On election day, PDP officials were out to ensure that the APP candidate won the election and his eventful sojourn in the House of Representatives lasted only four years.  Voters were induced with 0ne thousand Naira each to vote against him.

    As a man of strong convictions who would not kowtow to anyone, or for whatever reason, he did not succeed in getting any other prominent political position. In 2011, against the prevailing sentiments in some Northern states, he supported. President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan openly. When the post-election violence broke out, he was targeted. His house in Kano was burnt down and I am not so sure that it has been rebuilt in full. In Abuja, he moved from one rented House to another until he died. A few weeks before his death we spoke and he was still himself, down but not out!

    Adieu, the lion!

    Hon Kwewum, Member, HoR (2015-2023), a journalist, who worked with the Rt Hon Ghali Umar Na’Abba as a Legislative Aide (2000-2003) lives in Abuja.

  • Northern Elders mourn Na’abba, describe ex-speaker’s death as great loss to Nigeria 

    Northern Elders mourn Na’abba, describe ex-speaker’s death as great loss to Nigeria 

    The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has expressed sadness over the death of former speaker of House of Representatives, Ghali Umar Na’abba.

    NEF, in a statement signed by its Director General, Professor Doknan D Sheni, on Friday, December 29, described Na’abba’s demise as a great loss to Nigeria.

    While commiserating with the deceased family and the people of Kano, the forum called for the sustainance of the good work initiated by the late former Speaker.

    The statement reads in part: “The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) extends its heartfelt condolences to the family, the government and people of Kano, and to Nigeria as a whole for the loss of Alhaji Ghali Umar Na’abba.

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    “His passing is a great loss to the nation, as he was a remarkable statesman whose leadership, sacrifice, statesmanship, patriotism, and unwavering commitment to the interest of the people of Northern Nigeria and citizens of Nigeria as a whole had few parallels in our nation’s history.

    “It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Alhaji Ghali Umar Na’abba. His contributions to the development and progress of Northern Nigeria and Nigeria as a whole are immeasurable. As a statesman, he dedicated his life to serving the people and working towards the betterment of society. 

    “His leadership was characterized by integrity, wisdom, and a genuine concern for the welfare of the people he represented. He was a living history, embodying the values and principles that young Northerners should strive to achieve.

    “As we mourn the loss of this great statesman, let us also celebrate his life and the legacy he leaves behind. Let us remember his selflessness, his courage, and his unwavering commitment to the ideals of justice, equality, and progress. Let us strive to honor his memory by continuing the work he started and by upholding the values and principles he held dear.

    “His legacy as a dedicated member of the Board of Trustees of the Northern Elders Forum will always be remembered, as he played an instrumental role in shaping the agenda and goals of the organization.

    “In this time of grief, we pray that Allah Subhanallahu Wa Ta’ala grants Alhaji Ghali Umar Na’abba Aljanna firdausi. May his soul rest in eternal peace. We also pray for strength and comfort for his family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.”

  • Ex-Speaker Na’Abba buried in Kano

    Ex-Speaker Na’Abba buried in Kano

    • Tinubu, Akpabio, governors, Ganduje, others mourn

    A former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Umar Na’Abba, is dead.

      Na’Abba,  who battled an undisclosed ailment died at an Abuja hospital in the early hours of yesterday.

    He was 65.

    He was initially flown abroad for medical treatment before returning to Nigeria after  several months  

    His body was interred at the Dandolo ýCemetery, Goron-Dutse in  Gwale Local Government Area in Kano shortly after being flown into the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.  

    The body was received by family members, friends and top government functionaries who conveyed it to the Emir’s palace for a funeral prayer at 5.30 pm. Chief Imam of Kano, Prof. Sani Zahradeen conducted the service.

     Na’Abba’s body was buried at Dandolo ýCemetery, Goron-Dutse in  Gwale Local Government Area of the state.

     Some of the prominent personalities at the funeral prayer included Vice President   Kashim Shettima; Deputy Senate President  Barau Jibrin; Deputy Governor   Aminu Abdulsalam and Senator representing Kano South Senatorial District, Abdulrahman Kawu-Sumaila.

     Others were former governors of the state, Ibrahim Shekarau and  Rabiu Kwankwaso.    Jigawa State former governor Sule Lamido and  some members of the state and National Assembly were also present. 

    The former speaker, who represented  Kano Municipal Federal constituency in 1999,  took over from Salish Buhari, who vacated the seat following forgery allegations against him.

    Born   September 27, 1958, to the family of Alhaji Umar Na’Abba, a businessman in the Tudun Wada area of Kano City, Na’Abba was a political scientist,   a policy architect and a visiting lecturer at the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies.

    He obtained a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University(ABU), Zaria in 1979.

    His early education was at Jakara Primary School, Kano where he earned his First School Leaving Certificate in 1969.

    He later attended Rumfa College, Kano for his West African School Certificate and was also at the School of Preliminary Studies, Kano, between 1974 and 1976, before gaining admission into ABU in October 1976.

    Na’Abba completed a postgraduate programme on Leadership and Good Governance at the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University,   United States in 2004.

    Reps : He was   courageous lawmaker

    The House of Representatives described its late Speaker  Na’abba as a courageous and passionate lawmaker.

    It said the Kano State-born politician made remarkable contributions to the development of the Legislature in the country.

    The House added in a statement by its spokesman, Akin Rotimi, that Na’Abba was a special breed who showed leadership and kept faith with it long after his exit.

    The statement reads in part: “Rt. Hon. Na’Abba was a passionate and courageous parliamentarian-cum-public servant who made remarkable contributions to the development of the legislative arm of government and indeed the entire country.

    “Rt. Hon. Ghali Na’Abba was a special breed as a lawmaker. He showed leadership as Speaker of the 4th House. He inspired members of the House under his leadership in many ways. Furthermore, he championed the first and only successful veto of a sitting president, leading to the establishment of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    “Long after his exit from the parliament, he remained active politically and continued to encourage and motivate us all.

     ”As the second substantive Speaker in our 4th Republic, he was central to the rebuilding of the Legislative arm of government to play its constitutional role in our democratic journey after a long period of military intervention in the polity.

    “Amongst other achievements, he led the design of an effective framework and processes for the conduct of parliamentary business as we know it today. It is on this foundation that subsequent Speakers have continued to build upon.

    “The idea of a Legislative Agenda for the House is known to have been birthed during his leadership of the 4th House of Representatives.

    “He is also reputed to have worked for a robust defence of the independence of the legislature, passage of impactful resolutions and landmark laws to ensure effective service delivery and people-driven development as Presiding Officer of the Green Chamber.

     “The demise of the former number four citizen who spent his life serving our dear country would, therefore, be sorely felt in Nigeria and beyond where he led several international parliamentary bodies.”

    The House  commiserated  with all members of the National Assembly, the Na’Abba family and the people of Kano  ”over this heavy loss.”   

    Tinubu, Atiku, Ganduje, Kwankwaso, others  pay tributes  

    President Bola Tinubu; former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar;   Governor  Abba Yusuf(Kano) and Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas were the first set of eminent Nigerians to mourn the passing of Na’Abba.

    Others include Senate  Deputy President   Barau Jibrin; Deputy Speaker. Benjamin   Kalu; All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman  Abdullahi Ganduje; Edo State Deputy Governor  Philip Shaibu;  Speaker of the 8th House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara; as well as former  Senate Presidents    Ahmad Lawan and David Mark.

     Others were immediate past APC  National Chairman  Abdullahi Adamu; Federal Capital Territory (FCT)  Minister of State  Mariya Mahmoud; and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Chibudom Nwuche.

    Tinubu, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, recalled that Na’Abba in his lifetime “stoutly defended the functionality and role of the legislature in the country.”

    He expressed his sympathy to the Na’Abba family, the government and the people of Kano State over the loss.  He prayed for the repose of the soul of the politician.

    “President Tinubu expresses profound grief at the loss, recalling the contributions of the late ex-lawmaker to nation-building through legislation, advocacy, and policy.

    “The President recalls Speaker Na’Abba’s determined struggle to defend the functionality and role of the legislature in governance, describing him as a disciplined and resolute politician.

    “President Tinubu prays for the repose of the soul of the departed and comfort for those who mourn this painful loss,”, the statement read.

    Na’Abba was true

    democrat, said Yusuf, Bello

    Kano State Governor  Yusuf said Na’Abba would be remembered by all  for his “contributions to the sustenance of democracy in the country.”

      He  commiserated with  the people of the state over the death of the Speaker whom he described as “a democrat, who worked relentlessly to ensure the thriving of democracy, good governance, respect  for rule of law and championing the course of the common man.”

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     The governor added in a statement by his Director-General, Media and Publicity,  Bature Tofa,  that Na’Abba’s death had “created a wide vacuum difficult to fill not only in the extended Na’Abba family and Kano State but in the entire country. “

    He also commiserated with the Na’Abba family,  his political associates, the National Assembly and the people of Kano over the loss. .

    Yusuf’s counterpart in Kogi State, Bello, lamented what he called the “unfortunate demise of a stalwart figure in Nigeria’s legislative history.”

    Conveying his condolences  to Yusuf and the entire people of Kano,   Bello acknowledged  ”Na’Abba’s influence as one of the country’s most impactful and revered national legislators.”

    Ex-Speaker will be

    sorely missed, says Atiku

     Former vice president Atiku,  who also expressed shock, said that   Na’Abba would be sorely missed for the inestimable roles he played in our national development.

    “I   join the good people and governments of   Kano State to mourn the demise of this towering political figure,” he said.

    Abbas, Kalu salute 

    ‘finest legislator’

    Speaker  Abbas and his deputy Kalu described Na’Abba as one of the nation’s finest legislators. 

    Abbas  expressed   sadness over the demise of the  former Speaker, adding that he was a “dedicated, committed and patriotic Nigerian who served his fatherland with zeal.”

    He recalled with nostalgia, how Na’Abba had an eventful tenure as the Speaker of the 4th House, noting that his legislative exploits shaped Nigeria’s democracy.

      Kalu, who also   expressed shock  said that   Na’ Abba was a “ parliamentarian with unusual legislative acumen and zest.”

    Commiserating with the family of the former speaker and other political associates, the deputy speaker enjoined them to be comforted by the fact that he (Na’ Abba)  lived his life serving Nigeria and humanity.

    Ganduje, Adamu  mourn       APC National Chairman    Ganduje and his immediate predecessor, Abdullahi  Adamu described the late Speaker as a thoroughbred politician and legislator who meant well for the country..

    “His rich experiences and doggedness even when faced with the risk of impeachment were contributory to whatever achievements we recorded at the National Assembly today.

    “He diligently served Nigeria. His wit, intellect, diligence and warm personality were legendary,”  said Ganduje    

    Adamu, who regretted the loss, said the Speaker of the 8th National Assembly,  would be remembered for his efforts at deepening and strengthening democracy through quality legislative processes and engagements.  

      ”His legacies as a thoroughbred democrat and legislator will continue to guide our democracy in the years that lay ahead,” he said.

     *Akpabio, Barau, Bamidele,  Lawan, Mark:   Nigeria   lost   true democrat  lament

    Senate President  Akpabio, two of his predecessors—Lawan and Mark— as well as Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele also expressed sadness at the death of the    Na’Abba.

    Akpabio, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, said Na’Ábba, was a patriot and true democrat.

    He said that it was saddening that the nation lost him at this time in its history.

     Akpabio added that the National Assembly members and other Nigerians would continue to hold  the former Speaker in “high esteem’ and    remember  him as “one politician who practised what you preached.”

     His deputy,   Jibrin recalled that Na’Abba promoted and defended legislative independence during his era as the Speaker of the House.

    “Throughout his tenure as speaker of the House of Representatives and even after he promoted and defended the country’s Constitution. This was what endeared the late Speaker to all,” he said.

     Also,   Lawan and   Mark said the death of Na’Abba has left an irreparable void in the political and governance landscape of our nation.

     They described the late Speaker as  one of the best and fertile minds in the political class  who  ”stood to be counted when it mattered.”

     Leader of the  Senate described  Na’Abba as an astute, fearless and progressive legislator, who stood against the interference of the Executive between 1999 and 2003 in the activities of the  National Assembly.

    According to him, Na’Abba also committed himself to the principle of Separation of Powers and promoted the rule of law when he served as Speaker.

    Tanko Yakassai, Kano residents lament

    Residents of Kano and an elder statesman Tanko Yakassai said the demise of  Na’Abba was not only a huge loss to the state but to the entire nation.  

     They said the late Speaker would be remembered for his passion for education, the rule of law and the development of the country.

    Yakassai described the death of Na’Abba as shocking and devastating.

      ”Ghali is my son; he grew up to hold the position of authority, and his

    renowned principles on separation of power made him a speaker’s speaker.

    “He died when his services are needed most,” he said in Kano.

     Another resident  and   federal civil service director,  Abdullahi Nura, said: “The Late Na’Abba always encouraged people to live in peace with one another and stand by the truth,”

    Malam Aliyu Aminu, former party ward chairman of the deceased, described the former Speaker as a philanthropist who assisted the poor and the needy in improving their social and economic well-being.

    Also, Ashiru Abubakar, a former lawmaker, said that the late politician always ensured peace and unity among people.

    Alhaji Ismail Sani, a schoolmate of the deceased, said he received the news with sadness. He   described Na’Abba  as “a humble and  pious leader whose conduct and character  was to service humanity.”

    Salihu Tanko-Yakassai, a Senior Special Assistant on Digital Media to the APC  national chairman, said that  Na’Abba was a great politician who dedicated his life to the development of the state and the country as a whole.

  • Tinubu mourns former Reps Speaker, Na’Abba

    Tinubu mourns former Reps Speaker, Na’Abba

    President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Ghali Umar Na’Abba, who died in the early hours of Wednesday, December 27.

    In a statement issued by his special adviser on media and publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu recalled the former speaker’s contributions to democracy in Nigeria, especially how he stoutly defended the functionality and role of the legislature in the country.

    He said: “President Bola Tinubu sympathizes with the Na’Abba family, the government, and the people of Kano State over the passing of Ghali Umar Na’Abba (CFR), former Speaker of the House of Representatives.

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    “The late Na’Abba was Speaker of the House Representatives following the return of democracy in Nigeria from 1999 to 2003, succeeding Salisu Buhari.

    “President Tinubu expresses profound grief at the loss, recalling the contributions of the late ex-lawmaker to nation-building through legislation, advocacy, and policy.

    “The President recalls Speaker Na’Abba’s determined struggle to defend the functionality and role of the legislature in governance, describing him as a disciplined and resolute politician.

    “President Tinubu prays for the repose of the soul of the departed and comfort for those who mourn this painful loss.”

  • FCT minister Wike mourns Ghali Na’Abba

    FCT minister Wike mourns Ghali Na’Abba

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), minister of state, Mariya Mahmoud, has expressed deep sadness over the demise of a distinguished parliamentarian, former speaker, Ghali Umar Na’Abba, who passed away in the early hours of Wednesday, December 27.

    In a statement she signed and made available to journalists, the minister described Rt. Honourable Ghali Na’Abba is a parliamentarian par excellence.

    While condoling his family and the government of Kano State, Mahmoud stressed that his contributions as speaker between 1999 to 2003, left an indelible imprint on the nation’s democracy.

    Read Also: Barau mourns ex-Reps speaker, Ghali Na’Abba

    The statement reads in part: “I express my deepest condolences to his family, the government and the good people of Kano State over this sad incident.

    “Alhaji Na’Abba’s contributions to the development and strengthening of the legislature cannot be overemphasized which, by all means, left an indelible imprint on our democracy.

    “His service as Speaker from July 1999 to June 2003, showcased him as a parliamentarian par excellence.

    “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.

    “We pray Allah (SWT) to shine a light on his grave, grant him Jannatul Firdausi and provide solace to those mourning his departure.”

  • Lawan, Mark mourn Akeredolu, Na’Abba

    Lawan, Mark mourn Akeredolu, Na’Abba

    Former presidents of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan and David Mark have expressed sadness over the demise of the Ondo state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, and the former speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Umar Na’Abba.

    Akeredolu died at the age of 67, and Na’Abba at 65, according to reports.

    Lawan, in a statement by his media adviser, Ezrel Tabiowo, in Abuja, said the death of both leaders has left a void in the political and governance landscape of the nation.

    He described Akeredolu as a visionary leader whose commitment to the prosperity of Ondo state was evident in his numerous achievements.

    According to the president of the ninth Senate, Na’Abba was a strong advocate for democracy who played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s democratic governance during the time he held sway as speaker of the House of Representatives between 1999 and 2003.

    Lawan said: “It is with great sorrow and a profound sense of loss that I mourn the passing of two distinguished leaders: Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Umar Na’Abba. Their deaths have left an irreparable void in the political and governance landscape of our nation.

    “Governor Akeredolu, a true son of Ondo State, was a visionary leader who dedicated his life to the service of his people. His unwavering commitment to the progress and prosperity of Ondo State was evident in his numerous achievements, including the infrastructural development projects, economic initiatives, and agricultural reforms he implemented during his tenure. His leadership and legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

    Read Also: 22 things to know about former Reps speaker Ghali Umar Na’Abba  

    “Former Speaker Na’Abba, a respected statesman and a strong advocate for democracy served as the Speaker of the House of Representatives from 1999 to 2003. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s democratic governance. His principled stand against corruption and his dedication to the rule of law earned him widespread admiration. His contributions to our democracy will always be remembered.

    “The passing of these two great leaders is a reminder of the transient nature of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. I extend my deepest condolences to the families, friends, and associates of Governor Akeredolu and Former Speaker Na’Abba. Their legacies will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew them.”

    On his part, Mark, in a statement by his media adviser, Paul Mumeh, in Abuja lamented over the death of Governor Akeredolu and the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Na’Abba.

    He described the deaths of the two leaders as the exit of two political giants, whose demise created a huge vacuum in the political class.

    Specifically, Mark noted the exploits of Akeredolu in the legal profession before going into politics to contribute to the development of his home state; Ondo and Nigeria.

    He regretted that the nation has lost a forthright, sincere, and unrepentant defender of the rule of law and protection of human rights.

    Mark said: “As a lawyer and President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), he stood for the ordinary man and never compromised his professional standards.

    “As a governor, he made policies and programmes that have a direct positive impact on the people.  Akeredolu was the people’s governor.”

    On Na’abba, Senator Mark noted that the former Speaker was at the forefront of the struggle for democracy and indeed laid the foundation for the present democratic dispensation.

    He noted that Na’Abba would be remembered as the speaker who fought for the independence of the Legislature in Nigeria.

    He described Na’Abba as one of the best and fertile minds in the political class adding that “Na’Abba stood to be counted when it mattered.”

  • Akpabio mourns Na’Abba, says Nigeria has lost true democrat

    Akpabio mourns Na’Abba, says Nigeria has lost true democrat

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio has expressed deep sadness over the death of a former speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Umar Na’Abba.

    Akpabio, in a statement by his special adviser on media and publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, in Abuja, said Na’Ábba, who died in the early hours of Wednesday, December 27, in Abuja at the age of 65 was truly a true democrat.

    He insisted that it is saddening for the nation to lose Na’Abba at this time in its history.

    The statement reads in part: “On behalf of my family and the entire National Assembly, it is with intense sadness that I received the news of the shocking death of the second speaker of the House of Representatives of the 4th Republic, Rt. Hon. Ghali Umar Na’Ábba, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, December 27, 2023, in Abuja”.

    He described the former speaker as a patriot, selfless politician, and true democrat who sacrificed his ambition by repelling dictatorship and instituting the independence of the Legislature.

    “I am indeed saddened at the news of the death of Rt. Hon. Ghali Umar Na’Abba, a patriot, a true democrat, and a courageous and selfless politician, who staked his exalted position in the fight against dictatorship to preserve the independence of the Legislature and foster national development.

    Read Also: Mark mourns Akeredolu, Na’abba

    “I must say the mutual respect and understanding that exists between the Legislature and the Executive today is a direct product of the laudable antecedents of great leaders such as Na’Abba who sacrificed to institute genuine representative democracy in the country.

    “As the second speaker of the 4th House of Representatives, I recall with nostalgia how Rt. Hon. Na’Abba stood like the Great Wall of Gibraltar against the excesses of the executive to give the Nigerian electorates value for their votes by ensuring that the right things were done to keep our democracy afloat.

    “We, at the National Assembly and in fact, all Nigerians of goodwill and advocates of true democratic ethos hold you in high esteem and will always remember that you were one politician who practised what you preached.

    “As you transit to the next world, I pray that Allah will have mercy on your soul and grant you Aljannah Firdaus. Rest on Rt. Hon. Ghali Umar NaÁbba.”

  • Barau mourns ex-Reps speaker, Ghali Na’Abba

    Barau mourns ex-Reps speaker, Ghali Na’Abba

    Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, has mourned the former speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Umar Na’Abba, who died on Wednesday, December 27, at the age of 65.

    Senator Barau, in a statement by his special adviser on media and publicity, Ismail Mudashir in Abuja, prayed to Allah SWT to grant the late Speaker Jannatul Firdausi and all those he left behind the strength to bear the irreparable loss.

    He said the deceased was a parliamentarian par excellence, who promoted and defended legislative independence during his era as the Speaker of the House of Representatives between July and June 2003.

    Na’Abba, who represented Kano Municipal between 1999 and 2003, became the speaker after Alhaji Salisu Buhari resigned from the position.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Former Reps Speaker Ghali Umar Na’Abba dies

    Barau, who chaired the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation during Na’Abba’s tenure, said the deceased was committed to the concept of separation of powers, protection of the rule of law and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria during his tenure.

    He said: “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of our late brother, Alhaji Ghali Umar Na’Abba. May Allah SWT grant him Jannatul Firdausi and give all of us that he left behind the strength to bear this irreparable loss. He was a patriotic Nigerian par excellence who lived and worked for the development of our beloved country.

    “Throughout his tenure as speaker of the House of Representatives and even after he promoted and defended the country’s Constitution. This was what endeared the late Speaker to all.”

  • Na’Abba was parliamentarian with unusual legislative acumen, says Kalu 

    Na’Abba was parliamentarian with unusual legislative acumen, says Kalu 

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu has expressed shock over the death of the former speaker of the House, Ghali Umar Na ‘Abba. 

    The former speaker who represented Kano Municipal Federal Constituency of Kano State in 1999 reportedly died on Wednesday in Abuja at the age of 65 after suffering from an illness. 

    Kalu, who described Na ‘Abba as a “fine parliamentarian with unusual legislative acumen, zeal and zest”, said the former speaker by his numerous lofty contributions to the body of laws in Nigeria made a lot of impacts on the political trajectories of the country. 

    The deputy speaker said that even long after his tenure as speaker ended, Na’Abba always found time to attend the special sessions of the House and was willing to share his perspectives on legislative developments. 

    He said Na ‘Abba’s demise will bring an end to the institutional memories he embodied and exuded while alive. 

    Read Also: BREAKING: Former Reps Speaker Ghali Umar Na’Abba dies

    Commiserating with the family of the former speaker and other political associates over the loss, Kalu enjoined them to be comforted by the fact that Na’ Abba lived his life serving Nigeria and humanity. 

    He also prayed Almighty God to accept the soul of Na ‘Abba and grant him eternal rest. 

    Similarly, Speaker of the 8th House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara said with the death of Na’abba, Nigeria has lost a rare gem, a leader like no other. 

    In a statement in Abuja, Dogara said: “With a heavy heart but total submission to the will of God, I pay this tribute to an icon, an advocate of transparency, champion of social justice and rule of law who laid a solid foundation for the independence of the legislature in the Fourth Republic, Rt. Hon. Ghali Umar Na’abba, CFR. 

    “Rt. Hon. Na’abba was a principled man, a patriot and leader par excellence. The 4th Assembly, under his able leadership, served as a bulwark for the advancement and defence of freedom, liberty, and strict adherence to democratic tenets. 

    “He was a repository of knowledge who was always willing to share from his fountain of wisdom whenever the legislature ran into murky waters and needed clarity to proceed. 

    “His death is a personal loss to me as he was a big brother and mentor who was always there to offer his wise counsel to me whenever the need arose. 

    “I commiserate with his immediate family, the government/people of Kano State, and Nigerians. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”