President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with the government and people of Nasarawa State over the death of its former governor, Aliyu Akwe-Doma.
Doma, a one-time deputy governor of the old Plateau State and governor of Nasarawa State (2007 – 2011), died on Tuesday at an unidentified hospital in Israel.
He was 75.
Buhari, in a statement yesterday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said the deceased served the country as a civil servant for many years, and rose through the ranks to become a Permanent Secretary.
He affirmed that the deceased worked assiduously for the country as a member of the Presidential Joint National Consultative and Advisory Committee of Traditional Rulers and Leaders of Thought (1995-1998).
He was also a member of the National Committee on the Future of Higher Education in Nigeria (1996-1998), among others.
President Buhari prayed God to grant the deceased eternal rest and comfort his family.
Senate President Bukola Saraki has also mourned Akwe-Doma.
A statement by his media aide, Yusuph Olaniyonu, described the deceased as a committed public servant.
The statement reads: “It is sad to hear of the demise of ex-governor Akwe-Doma. He was a contemporary during my tenure as Governor of Kwara State. My interactions with him showed a man with deep intellect, experience and passion for service.
“Little wonder he rose through the ranks to become a Permanent Secretary in the old Plateau State, before serving as deputy to former Governor Solomon Lar, and later Governor of Nasarawa State.
“My condolences go to his family, people and government of Nasarawa State on this irreparable loss.”
Saraki prayed God to count the soul of the deceased among the righteous in Aljanah Firdaus and grant his family and loved ones the fortitude to bear the loss.
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly described Akwe-Doma’s death as a loss to the people, considering his contributions to the peace and development of the state.
The Speaker, Ibrahim Abdullahi, said Doma’s contribution will be missed.
He said: “We commiserate with the family, Alago nation, the Doma traditional council and the people over the death of ex-governor Aliyu Akwe- Doma.
“He was a very humble elder statesman who contributed a lot to the development of not only Nasarawa State, but the entire country, especially in the maintenance of peace and unity. His demise is heartbreaking but God gives life and takes at will.”
Former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, expressed shock over Doma’s death. He described it as “a great loss to the country”.
Maku, in a statement yesterday, described the deceased as “a very peaceful man whose tenure as governor will always be remembered for its tranquillity”.