President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Monday, November 23, 2015,
described as painful and shocking, the demise of the former Governor
of Kogi State and governorship candidate of the All Progressives
Congress (APC), Alhaji Abubakar Audu. He said the late politician died
a dogged and visionary leader.
Senator Saraki, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser (Media and
Publicity), Yusuph Olaniyonu, who expressed deep sadness on receiving
the news of Audu’s death, condoled with the immediate family of the
deceased, the government and people of Kogi State and the national and
state executives as well as members of the APC over the irreparable
loss.
He recalled the tenacity of purpose and unwavering loyalty of the
deceased who he said remained committed to the course of his people
and his party to the very last moment of his life.
Saraki said: “He was selfless, steadfast and patriotic in his services
to the people of Kogi State and beyond. He was a visionary and
patriotic party faithful. All his life time, he lived for the people.
His death is extremely painful, but we cannot question the will of the
Almighty Allah in the present sorrowful circumstances.
“Audu, was a leader in all ramifications. He died when his services to
the good people of Kogi State and Nigeria in general were most needed.
We cannot but recall how committed and firm he was to his policies and
pro-people ideology. His death is simply unbearable.
“As Muslims, we have taken his death in good faith because we strongly
believe that only God gives life and can as well take it when He
wishes,” he stated.
Saraki urged the people of the State to be calm and peaceful, saying
even at death, “all Audu wants for Kogi State is progress, peaceful
coexistence and development, ” while he prayed to Allah to grant
Aljanah Firdaus to the soul of the deceased, and the family the
fortitude to bear the loss.
Audu was buried today in his village. The burial was witnessed by thousands of Kogites, majority of whom couldn’t control their tears. And thus wept openly.