Former Abia State governor, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, has bemoaned the demise of former Nigerian permanent representative to the United Nations and Dan Masanin Kano, Alhaji Maitama Sule.
Kalu sid the nation has lost a rare gem.
The former governor, who acknowledged the contributions of the deceased to the socio-political development of the country, noted that the late elder statesman lived a purposeful life worthy of emulation.
Kalu said the late Sule’s counsel on national issues would be greatly missed, and added that “he died at a time the country needed to tap from his vast reservoir of knowledge.”
In a statement by his Special Adviser, Prince Kunle Oyewumi, Kalu said “the demise of Alhaji Maitama Sule is saddening and, indeed, a huge loss to the country considering his vast contributions to national discourse.”
“The late elder statesman was well known for his simplicity, forthrightness, objectivity and integrity. As an advocate of peace, he championed the cause of peaceful co-existence among all ethnic groups.
“The late Sule was a source of inspiration to many in the society, especially the oppressed.
“More importantly, he lived for the people and has left behind indelible footprints in the annals of Nigeria,” he said.
Kalu, who tasked leaders to emulate the outstanding qualities of the late philanthropist, urged members of the Maitama Sule family to uphold the good legacy their patriarch left behind.
He also added that the deceased will be remembered for his passion for justice, equity and fairness.
The former governor, who commiserated with the government and people of Kano State, Kano Emirate Council and the Maitama Sule dynasty, prayed Allah to grant the departed soul Al-Jannah Firdaus (the best abode in paradise).