Jonathan, Northern governors mourn Dikko

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan said he received with sadness the news of the passing away of prominent politician and elder statesman, Alhaji Umaru Dikko.
In a statement by his spokesman, Jonathan extended his sincere commiserations to the family, friends and political associates of the former Minister of Transport during the Second Republic, who also played a leading role in the National Party of Nigeria, which controlled the Federal Government in that dispensation.
Jonathan said he joins them in mourning the renowned political leader who, in spite of advanced age, continued to actively contribute to the nurturing and strengthening of democracy in Nigeria until the end of his life.
Abati added in the statement: “President Jonathan firmly believes that Alhaji Umaru Dikko’s significant contributions, especially his life-long advocacy for stronger political parties, greater discipline within political parties and the supremacy of political parties have assured him of a place in the annals of Nigeria’s political development.
“He prays that God Almighty will receive Alhaji Umaru Dikko’s soul and grant him eternal rest.”
The Northern States Governors Forum also on Tuesday described the death of Dikko as a further depletion in the ranks of Northern states leaders, adding that it is time for sober reflection and a time for the region and the nation to remain committed to building leadership inspired by service.
The Chairman of the forum and Governor of Niger State, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, who spoke on behalf of the forum in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Israel A. Ebije, said the growing number of prominent Nigerians passing away only suggests that the younger generation must step into the shoes of departed leaders.
Aliyu said the nation will sorely miss the late Dikko, especially in the direction of his wealth of experience as a politician, which would have been a veritable resource for national discourse now that the country is passing through difficult times.
He saidL “This is indeed another sad episode to the already challenging times Nigeria is passing through as a country. The death of Umaru Dikko and a few prominent Nigerians in less than two months is a reminder that the present generation of Nigerians must grow up mentally, morally with collective objective towards a common developmental destination within the confines of appropriate leadership tenets.
“The exit of our leaders, should remind us that the place of the youths is now, not tomorrow. The youths of today must therefore show signs of leadership by eschewing violence, steering clear of sentiments and avoid ethno-religious balkanization of the country so that we can grow Nigeria to attain its position in the committee of nations.”
The forum therefore called on Nigerians to immortalize past leaders by ensuring that the continuous existence of the country is not compromised and make their developmental aspiration cardinal
Aliyu urged Nigerians to always work within the principles and practice of good service, good moral and patriotism, adding that at the end, people will be remembered based on how they lived.
The forum chairman therefore prayed that Allah (SWT) will grant the late Dikko Aljannah Firdausi.
He also prayed that Allah grants his family, the nation the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.