President Goodluck Jonathan received with great shock and sorrow this afternoon, news of the sudden death of Senator Isaiah Balat, the Special Adviser (Special Duties) to Vice President Namadi Sambo, his spokesman has said.

“On behalf of himself and the Federal Government, President extends sincere condolences to the Vice President, his staff and all others who had the pleasure of working with Senator Balat at the Presidential Villa,” Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), Reuben Abati, said in a statement issued this evening.

“The President also condoles Senator Balat’s wife, children and relatives as well as his kinsmen, people of Kaduna State and supporters whose interests he capably represented and defended throughout his political career,” Abati further said, adding:

“He joins them in mourning the very affable political leader who will be remembered for serving meritoriously as a Senator and Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The President prays that God Almighty will receive the soul of Senator Balat whom he had the pleasure of working with at close quarters in the Presidential Villa over the past three years and grant him eternal rest.”

•Photo shows late Senator Isaiah Balat.