From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), caucus  in the House of Representatives has expressed dismay over the death of former Deputy Senate President,Ibrahim Mantu.
The caucus, in a statement by its leader, Kingsley Chinda, on Tuesday, described Mantu as a patriot, who contributed immensely to the entrenchment
democratic rule in the country.
The lawmakers, noted  that Mantu who represented Plateau Central District between 1999 and 2007 was  as a loyal and committed PDP leader.
 “The caucus is saddened as Senator Mantu’s death took everyone unaware, especially this is coming at a time that the country will be in dire need of his wealth of experience as a political leader and hard-line democrat.
“He remained a true and committed PDP leader till he breath his last. He was a politician per excellence.
“He left his footprints at the Senate, having served creditably well. As Deputy Senate President. Sen.Mantu was a bridge builder, cutting across class, tribe and religion, a mobiliser of men and women. He helped stabilized democracy in its nascent days.
“Senator Mantu role may have been misunderstood by his traducers, but there is no doubt he played his role as a lawmaker and a politician with dignity  which earned him the respect and admiration of his colleague and party stalwarts including members of the caucus,” they said.
The opposition lawmakers,  commiserating with  Mantu’s family, the government and entire people of Plateau State, over his demise,  prayed to the Almighty  God to grant him Aljana firdaus.