From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja and Lukman Olabiyi

The Federal Government, the Chief Whip of the Senate, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and others have expressed sorrow over the death of Nigerian Ambassador to Spain, Demola Seriki.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement issued in Abuja by its spokesperson, Francisca Omayuli, confirmed that Seriki died in early yesterday, in Madrid, Spain, after a  brief illness.

Until his death, Ambassador Seriki was Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain, with concurrent accreditation as Permanent Representative to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in Spain.

Former governor of Abia State  Dr. Kalu commiserated with the government and people of Lagos State over his passing.

Describing the former minister of state for defence as a complete gentleman and consummate politician, Kalu stressed that he made invaluable contributions to nationbuilding in various capacities.

While conveying his sincere condolences to the Federal Government and in particular, chieftains and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Kalu urged the political class to emulate the outstanding qualities of the deceased.

The former governor prayed to Allah to grant the Seriki family the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.

“I mourn the passing of former minister of state for defence and Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Chief Ademola Seriki.

“The late former minister was a consummate politician and philanthropist.

“Having served in different capacities, he contributed to the social, economic and political development of the country.

“He left behind remarkable legacies for his family and loved ones to uphold. The deceased will be sorely missed.”

Kalu also extended his condolences to the presidential candidate of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu while praying to Allah to forgive the shortcomings of Seriki and grant him al- Jannah Firdaus.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Sanwo-Olu, in a statement said the death of Seriki came at a time when his wealth of experience was mostly needed. He described him as a businessman, politician, and public administrator, whose contributions remain indelible in the hearts of residents of Lagos State and Nigerian citizens.

He also sympathised with President Muhammadu Buhari, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, diplomats, and Nigerians in the Diaspora over the demise of the ambassador.