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Former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Babatunde Oduyoye, has described the deaths of the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Umar Ghali Na’Abba, and the governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, as national losses.
Oduyoye, in a statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen, extolled the virtues of the duo, whom he described as national leaders in their right and strong advocates of federalism.
He expressed his condolences to the families of the two leaders and their respective states, praying to God to repose to their souls.
“It’s a black Wednesday for Nigeria, as we mourn the deaths of two icons in their individual rights.
“My colleague and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ghali Na’Abba and Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu are two national icons, who made their marks on the sand of time in the nation’s politics. It is sad that we have to bid them goodbye at this time.
“With Na’Abba, we fought and won many battles in favour of legislative independence and erudition and through his many decisive actions, we deepened democracy between 1999 and 2003.
“As for Arakunrin Akeredolu, his voice of courage resonated against undemocratic tendencies at different periods.
“While we mourn the losses of these two voices, we take solace in God, who gives and takes life and also pray for their families,” he said.