By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has mourned the death of former Senator representing Katsina South Senatorial District, Bello Mandiya, describing him as a dependable ally of the human rights community and an advocate of democratic values.

The condolence was contained in a statement signed by Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, National Coordinator of HURIWA, on Tuesday, September 9, 2026, following the death of the former senator at the age of 62.

HURIWA described Mandiya as more than a politician and lawmaker, saying he consistently demonstrated an intellectual commitment to human rights, democratic values and national development.

The association said Mandiya regularly attended its national human rights lectures, where he actively participated in discussions on critical issues confronting the country.

According to HURIWA, he contributed ideas, proposed solutions and offered practical suggestions on how the work and impact of human rights defenders could be strengthened.

“For HURIWA, Senator Mandiya was more than a politician and lawmaker. He was a dependable ally of the human rights community and a man who consistently demonstrated a genuine intellectual commitment to the advancement of human rights and democratic values in Nigeria,” the statement said.

The association said his commitment to human rights remained evident while he held public office, first as Chief of Staff to former Katsina State Governor Aminu Masari and later as a senator between 2019 and 2023.

HURIWA noted that Mandiya understood governance as extending beyond political power to include the protection of citizens’ rights, strengthening of democratic institutions, justice and human dignity.

Before his election to the Senate in 2019 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mandiya had worked in journalism and media management and published a specialised magazine focused on encouraging political dialogue and promoting national unity.

The association described him as a media manager who was intellectually grounded and politically engaged, adding that he viewed communication as an instrument for dialogue rather than division.

Tributes have also followed his death from political and public-service figures.

Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda described Mandiya’s death as a great loss to Katsina State and Nigeria, while former Senate President Ahmad Lawan remembered him as a “thoroughbred lawmaker” who brought diligence, intellect and a strong sense of responsibility to his duties.

Lawan particularly recalled Mandiya’s service as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Water Resources.

Also mourning the former senator, founder of Agora Policy and former Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Waziri Adio, recalled that his friendship with Mandiya dated back to 1988.

HURIWA said Mandiya’s legacy should be measured by the values he represented, including intellectual engagement, political dialogue, national unity, public service and the defence of human dignity.

“His contributions may have come to an end with his passing, but his intellectual footprints and the memories of his engagement with the human rights community will remain,” the association said.

HURIWA extended its condolences to Mandiya’s family, the people of Katsina State, his political associates and former colleagues, while praying that Allah forgive his shortcomings, grant him eternal rest and give those he left behind the strength to bear the loss.