President Muhammadu Buhari, former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Tuesday condoled with the family of former Deputy Senate President, Ibrahim Mantu, who passed on Tuesday morning.
Also, a former Senate President, David Mark, Benue State Governors Samuel Ortom, Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong and many notable Nigerians joined in mourning the renowned politician.
President Buhari in a statement by Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity commiserated with leaders and members of the National Assembly, friends and political associates of the former deputy Senate president.
The President prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed, “believing his legacy of reconciliation and promotion of peaceful co-existence will always be remembered, especially in bringing more harmony in his state and the country at large.”
Obasanjo in a condolence letter to Mantu’s son, Musa Ibrahim Mantu said, “He (Mantu) used his God-given position to properly ground the democratic process and engender the stability, peace, growth and development of our fatherland, Nigeria. He operated and conducted himself with courage, conviction, consistency and the fear of God.”
In the same vein, Mark said in a statement by his Media Adviser, Paul Mumeh that Mantu died at a time his wealth of experience, wisdom and services were most needed.
“Mantu played a politics of inclusiveness, fairness, equity and justice. He was a politician who built bridges of understanding across the length and breadth of Nigeria,” Mark said.
Ortom, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Terver Akase, said that Mantu’s demise was a painful loss to Nigeria. He prayed to God to grant his soul eternal rest.
Lalong said he was shocked over the death and described Mantu as a great loss to the state and country at large.
Others who joined the morning include the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, House of Representatives Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, Senate Majority Leader, Enyinnaya Abaribe.