Warring Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State and Senator Dino Melaye, representing Kogi West, were united in grief on Friday over the death of Deputy Leader of the House of Representatives, Umar Jibrin.
Jibrin, who represented Lokoja/Koto Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, died after a protracted illness on Friday morning.
A statement by Bello’s spokesman, Kingsley Fanwo, described the late Jibrin as a man who “lived in the hearts of his people”, saying the vacuum he left in the state and the ruling party will be difficult to fill.
“The late former Kogi State House of Assembly Speaker and a Principal Officer of the House of Representatives was a man of the people. His life is a book for anyone aspiring for greatness to read.
“The late Jibril identified with his people and lived a life of serving the poor in his constituency.
“He was a successful politician and a lesson in positivism; a man who chose to take his destiny in his hand on several occasions.
“He will be remembered for his astuteness and purposeful leadership as well as his philanthropic life and service to humanity.
“The new generation of Kogites and Nigerians at large will have a lot to learn from the life of the great patriot,” the statement said.
Melaye’s message was posted on Instagram.
“The vanity of life. What a colossal loss to Kogi State and Nigeria. My brother! My friend! My colleague is gone. Oh the fall of an Idoko. May his gentle soul Rest In Peace. Oh this is too heavy on us oh Lord but You know best. Sad!sad!sad! Hon Buba Jibril Good night!” the senator wrote.
