Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, on Wednesday wept at the burial of his Director General, Protocol, Alhaji Haruna Mamman Jiya Vatsa.

Haruna Vatsa died Tuesday in Kaduna after a brief illness. He was 49 years old.

Governor Sani Bello described the death as a personal loss of age-long and childhood friend, whose memories of hard work, commitment, dedication, loyalty and kindness, stood unparalleled.

The Governor who was in sad and pensive mood throughout the Janaiza (funeral ) prayers at the family house of the Vatsas in Malali Quarters, Kaduna, led by Mallam Umar Farouq, Niger State Director General, Religious Affairs, said he has lost “a friend, aide, and confident whose memories I will live with for the rest of my life.”

“This is one death that I see as a personal loss. Haruna was not just my Director General Protocol; he was a friend, a brother, a trusted and trustworthy aide, a confidant who believed and supported the course we stand for.”

Governor Sani Bello revealed that Haruna Vatsa was one those in the trenches with him in the struggle to restore good governance to Niger state.

“On the political battle space, Haruna was in the trenches of struggle to restore back the glory of Niger State. We shall miss him greatly,” he stated.

Also speaking, Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, who was at the janaiza prayers, also described the late Haruna Vatsa as “a humble, caring and gentleman” and prayed that Allah grant him aljana fidausi.

The Deputy Governor of Niger State, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Ketso, Secretary to Niger state Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Isa Ladan, Head of Service, Alhaji Yabagi Sule, Chief of Staff, Hon Mikhail Al-Amin Bmitosahi, and all members of the Niger State Executive Council, leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress, led by its Chairman, Engr. Jibrin Imam, Special Advisers, Director Generals, Local Government Chairmen, other elected and appointed officers the administration, political leaders across the party divide,friends, family associates and well wishes.

Also at the janaiza prayers was former Military Governor of Kano and Benue states, Major General Idris Garba.

The body of the Haruna Vatsa was laid beside the graveside of his late mother at the family house in Kaduna.

Haruna Mamman Jiya Vatsa was the first son of late literary icon, Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa. He was an Ex-Boy and Course mate of Governor Abubakar Sani Bello at the Nigerian Military School (NMS) Zaria. He is survived by a wife, four children and a sister.

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