Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has stated that the death of Alhaji Umaru Ali Shinkafi, came at a time when his experience, frank disposition, wise counsel and political sagacity were most needed by a nation faced with several challenges.

Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Yusuph Olaniyonu, stated that late Shinkafi, who was Marafan Sokoto, was an accomplished public servant as a top policeman, a leading political light who contributed so much to the political programmes that led to the birth of the present republic, a professional who did well as a legal practitioner and a former Minister of Internal Affairs and head of the nation’s former secret service, then known as Nigeria Security Organisation (NSO).

Saraki said: “The Marafan Sokoto was a consummate politician who had large followership across the country. He was a bridge builder. He was revered by his supporters and opponents. A man who will always say the truth at every point. He helped in mentoring many political office holders now occupying top positions in government at various levels. He was also a man who embodied the tradition of his people and that is why he held the important title of Marafa in the Sultan’s council.

“With his diverse and extensive experience in the area of security, his advice would have been useful in tackling the different security issues confronting our country at this point. Incidentally, Alhaji Shinkafi was not a man who shied away from contributing to issues of national development.

“His absence will be sorely missed by all and sundry. I pray that Almighty Allah grant him a place among the righteous ones in Aljannah Firdaus. May Allah also grant members of his immediate family, his political family, the people and government of Zamfara and Sokoto States the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”

On his part, Deputy Senate Leader, representing Kebbi South Senatorial zone, Bala Ibn Na’Allah, described the death of Alhaji Shinkafi as “shocking and a monumental loss to the North West and Nigeria in general.”

Shinkafi died in a hospital in London at about 4:07pm Nigerian time on Wednesday.

While condoling with one of Shinkafi’s daughter and wife of Kebbi State Governor, Dr Zainab Atiku Bagudu, and the people of Zamfara State, Na’Allah said: “Shinkafi lived an exemplary life of selfless service to his country and would be greatly missed by all of us.”

He prayed to Allah to grant him eternal life, the family, the people of Kebbi and Zamfara the fortitude to bear the loss.

Shinkafi was a native of Zamfara State.

Family sources confirmed that his body will be flown back to Nigeria on Friday for burial at Abubakar III burial ground in Sokoto.

Alhaji Shinkafi is survived by three wives and five children. One of his daughters is Zainab, wife of Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State, and another is Hadiza, the wife of Zamfara Governor, AbdulAzeez Yari.

•Photo shows late Umaru Shinkafi.

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