President Muhammadu Buhari and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday joined in mourning the Deputy Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Zannah Umar Mustapha.

Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) Femi Adesina said in a statement that his principal received “with shock and immense sadness” news of the passing away of Mustapha yesterday morning

“On behalf of himself and the Federal Government, President Buhari extends heartfelt condolences to the late deputy governor’s immediate family and his relatives,” Adesina said, adding: “The president similarly commiserates with Governor Kashim Shettima and the entire people of Borno State on the loss of Alhaji Zannah who passed away while on an official assignment in Yola, Adamawa State.

“President Buhari joins Governor Shettima, members of Alhaji Zannah’s family, his friends, political associates, and colleagues in the Borno State Government, constituents and supporters in praying that Almighty Allah will receive his soul and grant him eternal rest.”

APC similarly expressed deep shock and sadness at the sudden death of Alhaji Mustapha.

In a statement issued in Lagos on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party described Alhaji Mustapha’s demise as a huge loss to his family, his party, his state and indeed to Nigeria.

“The suddenness of Alhaji’s Zannah’s passing has deepened the pain caused by his death,” it said, praying that God will comfort his family and give them the fortitude to bear their irreparable loss.

The APC also commiserated with the people and government of Borno State over the Deputy Governor’s death, and prayed that God will grant repose to his soul.

•Photo shows late Alhaji Mustapha.

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