The Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, on Wednesday wept at the burial of his Director General, Protocol, Alhaji Haruna Mamman Jiya Vatsa.
Bello described the death as a personal loss of age-long and childhood friend, whose memories of hard work, commitment, dedication, loyalty and kindness, stood unparalleled.
The Governor was in sad and pensive mood throughout the Janaiza (funeral) prayers at the family house of the Vatsas in Malali Quarters.
The 49-year-old Vatsa was buried in Kaduna and the prayers was led by Mallam Umar Farouq, the Niger State Director General of Religious Affairs.
Accordingly, the governor said: “I have lost a friend whose memories I will live with for the rest of my life.
“This is one death that I see as a personal loss.
“Haruna was not just my Director General Protocol, he was a friend, a brother, a trusted and trustworthy aide, a confidant who believed and supported the course we stand for.”
Bello revealed that Vatsa was one those in the trenches with him in the struggle to restore good governance to Niger State.
He said: “On the political battle space, Haruna was in the trenches of struggle to restore back the glory of Niger State.
“We shall miss him greatly.”
Also speaking, the Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, who was at the janaiza prayer, also described the late Vatsa as “a humble, caring and gentleman” and prayed that Allah grant him aljana fidausi.
The Deputy Governor of Niger State, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Ketso; the Secretary to Niger State Government, Alhaji Ibrahim Isa Ladan; the Head of Service, Alhaji Yabagi Sule; Chief of Staff, Hon. Mikhail Al-Amin Bmitosahi; all members of the Niger State Executive Council; the leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress, led by its Chairman, Engr. Jibrin Imam; Special Advisers; Director Generals; Local Government Chairmen; and other elected and appointed officers the administration.
Also at the janaiza prayers were former Military Governor of Kano and Benue States, Major General Idris Garba; and political leaders across the party divide, friends, family associates and well wishers.
The body of Vatsa was laid beside the graveside of his late mother, Hajiya Safiya Vatsa, at the family house in Kaduna.
Vatsa died on Tuesday in Kaduna after a brief illness.
He was the first son of late literary icon, Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa.
He was an ex-Boy and course mate of Governor Bello at the Nigerian Military School, Zaria.
He was survived by wife, four children and a sister.