The Federal Government has described the death of  elder statesman, Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule as “heavy loss.”

In a letter of condolence to Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje,  President Muhammadu Buhari, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, “expressed shock over Sule’s death.”

The president recounted how, as “a minister in the First Republic, he was one of those who assisted our founding fathers to fashion Nigeria politically and lay the grounds of national co-existence.

“Maitama Sule was blessed by God with a wonderful voice and outstanding eloquence.

“He served with distinction in the First Republic, the Second Military regime, as well as the Second Republic, without him being tainted with the remotest hint of scandal.

Buhari also revealed how he “greatly valued his counsel and I never  ceased to be amazed by his concern for the well-being of his country, rather than his personal interests…”

Earlier, Acting President Yemi Osinbajo described Sule as “a national asset…whose immense contribution” would be missed in the future. On behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari, the Government and entire people of Nigeria, the acting president conveys heartfelt condolences on this loss of a great national asset,” Osinbajo said in a statement signed by his spokesman, Laolu Akande.

Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, also described Sule’s death as shocking.

Saraki, in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, described the late DanMasanin Kano, as a detribalised Nigerian who spoke truth at all times during his lifetime.

He called on Federal and Kano State Governments “to immortalise the great icon of peace and an advocate of justice and fairness.”

On his part, Speaker Yakubu Dogara described Sule’s death as a monumental loss to the African continent.

In a statement, issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Turaki Hassan, Dogara said although “the late elder statesman lived a productive life and was advanced in age, his death is still saddening.

“He was a colossus, patriot, father to all, and a distinguished gentleman who has written his name in gold in the annals of Nigeria’s history.”

Also, Saraki’s deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, paid glowing tribute to the late politician and described his death as a heavy blow, .

“Although he was popularly known as Dan Masanin Kano, some of us preferred to call him Dan Masanin Nigeria, for he had a rare national appeal and loomed larger than life itself even in his humility. A man of unimpeachable integrity and agent of national rebirth…”

In his reaction, former Senate President, David Mark, noted that his towering influence, achievements, intellect and oratory prowess in the evolution of contemporary Nigeria remain extraordinarily impressive.

“The position of Sule, as it concerned the welfare and wellbeing of Nigerians, was clear and unambiguous.

“He stood firm for the peace and unity of Nigeria. He was a noble man. In Maitama Sule, we have lost an unrepentant patriot, nationalist per excellence, a lover of dignity of labour and a soldier who fought in the defence of the ordinary man.”

To Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, the Dan Masanin Kano’s death is a great loss.

He said “the deceased impacted the nation positively, in various spheres of human endeavour.”

Tambuwal’s spokesman, Mallam Imam Imam, said the governor described the late orator as a complete gentleman and good citizen who dedicated his life to the unity, progress and development of Nigeria.

Imo state Governor, Rochas Okorocha, said he received the news of Sule’s death with shock. 

In a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Sam Onwuemeodo, Okorocha said Sule displayed exemplary leadership and commitment to service for the good of all.

Meanwhile, Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi, said Sule’s death has robbed the country of a true patriot, nationalist and peace maker.

The minister, who commiserated with the family of the deceased, the people of Kano State in particular, and Nigeria in general, in a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Yinka Oyebode, said Fayemi described the late “ambassador as a distinguished leader, political thinker, strategist, foremost diplomat, courageous politician and elder statesman who brought a touch of courage and candour to whatever he did.”