The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, has described as devastating and heart breaking, the news of the death of Sen. Ali Wakili (APC-Bauchi).
In a statement in Abuja on Saturday, Dogara described the late Wakili as “a personal friend, true brother and dependable ally’’.
“The death of Sen. Ali Wakili is a personal loss to me; I am short of words to describe how devastated I am over the passing away of this true friend, brother and confidant, with whom I had excellent brotherly relationship and association.
“We have indeed lost a distinguished parliamentarian, easy going and courageous person who had worked tirelessly both in the Senate chamber and outside to defend the interest of his constituent Bauchi State and the downtrodden members of the society in the country at large.
“Within his short but eventful sojourn in the National Assembly, he has distinguished himself with his characteristic display of patriotism, forthrightness and logical skills during debates and other legislative duties.
“We in Bauchi State and in particular, Bauchi South Senatorial District, have lost a worthy ambassador and a distinguished gentleman, but we’ll take solace in the fact that his humanitarian services and other accomplishments will continue to be a source of inspiration to us all,’’ he said.
The speaker expressed condolence to the immediate family, constituent, the people of Bauchi State and the nation at large over the loss.
Dogara prayed God Almighty to grant his soul eternal rest.
Wakili, 58, passed away in the early hours of Saturday at his Abuja residence after a brief ailment.
He attended Lere Primary School in Tafawa Local Government Area of Bauchi State from 1965 to 1972, proceeded to Government Secondary School Damaturu in the then Borno, from 1972 to 1977,where he obtained his Senior School Certificate.
From 1977 to 1979, he attended Bauchi College of Arts and Science and subsequently proceeded to Bayero University, Kano for his Degree programme and graduated in 1982.
He also attended the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) Training School, Lagos in 1984 and thereafter rose to the position of NCS Comptroller in 1996 before he retired in 2009.
The late lawmaker, a member of the National Institute, left behind two wives, 10 children and other relations to mourn him.
Until his death, Wakili was the Chairman, Senate Committee on Poverty Alleviation as well as member, Senate Committee on Air Force. (NAN)
