President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday condoled with the government and people of Adamawa State on the passing away of its first civilian governor, Alhaji Abubakar Saleh Michika, on Saturday.
Buhari, in a condolence message issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina in Abuja, commiserated with the family, friends and professional colleagues of the late former governor.
The President, who described the deceased as an astute administrator, political strategist and community developer, noted that Michika had worked variously with reputable international organisations before bringing his experience and skills to contribute to the development of Nigeria.
He commended Michika’s strong sense of patriotism and commitment to national development which prompted him to alter his career path from the private sector to take up public office by contesting and winning the gubernatorial elections in 1992.
According to him, the country will sorely miss the wise counsel, visionary leadership and disciplined lifestyle of the former Adamawa State governor.
He prayed that the Almighty God grants the soul of the departed eternal rest and comfort his family.
Adesina said in the statement that the President had sent a Federal Government delegation led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, to commiserate with the family and people of the Adamawa.
Born in 1941, Michika served as the first elected governor of Adamawa, after the creation of the state out of the defunct Gongola state from 1992 to 1993.
He was elected under the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC).
The deceased, who has since been buried in his hometown, Michika, left behind wives, 38 children and 99 grandchildren.(NAN)
