The late Maitama SuleNigeria’s Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, has received “with profound sorrow the news of the passing away earlier today of Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule, orator, elder-statesman, distinguished diplomat and the Danmasinin Kano,” his office said in a statement on Monday.
“He extends deep and heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, associates and the government of Kano State, praying that the Almighty God comforts all,” spokesman Laolu Akande said.
“One-time Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Federal Minister in the first republic, Dr. Maitama Sule, according to the Acting President, is best remembered on the global scene, as one of our country’s foremost envoys whose clarity of voice and vision contributed significantly to the high esteem and respect Nigeria earned at the United Nations.
“At home, Prof. Osinbajo also remembers Alhaji Sule as an illustrious son of Nigeria noting that his death is a loss to the nation. The Acting President observed that Alhaji Sule, a great Nigerian leader and committed nationalist, positioned himself as an agent of unity.
“Even as he advanced gracefully in age, he was always prepared to reach out to other leaders of thought across the country in the noble quest for unity, tolerance and national cohesion. He did not waver in lending his voice to the promotion of moderation in national discourse, and his graceful conduct thereto would be sorely missed,” the Presidency said.
According to the Acting President, Alhaji Sule never relented applying his wealth of experience to advance the cause of unity, peace and progress of Nigeria, and his fatherly counsel to those in authority had always been bold, sincere and untainted.
While commending his patriotic fervour, and passionate zeal for public service, the Acting President recalls Alhaji Sule’s unparalleled dedication to duty as a formidable diplomat, politician, Minister and acclaimed orator whose well researched and excellently delivered speeches inspired and impressed several Nigerians, including himself (-i.e. the Acting President).
He urges the octogenarian’s family, friends and associates to be consoled by the fact that his selfless commitment to the stability of Nigeria will not be forgotten and would always be honoured.
On behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari, the Government and the entire people of Nigeria, the Acting President conveys heartfelt condolences on this loss of a great national asset. His prayer is that Allah will bless his memory, grant the family and all of us Nigerians the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.