Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, has described a former governor of the state, Abdulkadir Kure, who died on Sunday at the age of 60, as a leader who played politics without bitterness.

Sani Bello said the late Kure was a peace maker and bridge builder who was concerned about progress and development of the state adding that he instituted good governance and started various developmental projects that were focused on the people.

The Governor stated this during a condolence visit to the deceased residence in Minna on Monday.

He said he had good understanding and cordial relationship with Kure, noting that he was an example of a God-fearing gentleman who understood that there was time for politics and time for governance.

His words: “Governor Abdulkadir Kure was a leader who always gave me wise counsel about how to provide purposeful leadership for the state.

“The news of his demise came with a shock because I spoke with him four days ago and he was doing reasonably well. In fact I was hoping to go and see him soon but it appears that after my phone conversation with him, the situation went out of hand.

“We will surely miss him. Personally I will miss his counselling despite the differences in party. As a former Governor and leader, I enjoyed a lot of counseling from him in matters that affect the state.

“He never related with me as someone from a different political platform.”

Bello said despite party differences the late Kure was a leader and statesman by offering him useful advice that would move the state forward.

“Late Governor Kure on several occasions sent or personally visited me to advise me on important issues concerning the state. Of recent he intervened in the labour-government crisis,” the Governor stated.

“The passing away of Alhaji Abdullahi Kure, is a tragedy to the state and the nation at large, his demise at this critical and crucial moment of our country has created a big vacuum. We have lost a rare gem and repository of wisdom,” Bello added.

Late Abdulkadir Kure was the 12th Governor of the state and 3rd Civilian Governor and first in the current political dispensation. He was governor on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from 1999 to 2007.

He died at a Germany Hospital after a brief illness at age of 61. He is survived by his wife, Senator Zainab Kure and six children.

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