Engineer Sule particularly condoled with the families of the bereaved, while urging the Chun Mada, HRH Pasto Samson Gamu Yare to remain strong in spite of the loss suffered by the Mada nation
Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, has condoled with the immediate families, traditional rulers and people of Akwanga Local Government Area, over the recent demise of a former deputy governor of the state, Damishi Barau Luka, as well as a former council chairman, Prince Awolowo Iliya Rini.
Engineer Sule, who barely returned from his trip to Saudi Arabia, visited the residences of the deceased personalities in Akwanga, on Tuesday, where he condoled with the families and people of Mada nation.
Speaking at the Ningo country home of the late Damishi Barau Luka, the Governor urged the people to imbibe the inherent lesson in the passage of the two great sons of Mada, for them to continue to be good to each other and to live in peace.
Engineer Sule noted that, as a scholar of both Christianity and Islam, he is aware that only God has power to give and take life and as such, appealed to the people to put behind them the demise of these two great Mada sons since they have returned to God.
“I have very good understanding of the two religions and I have very good understanding of what the Bible and the Quran said. And I remember in both holy books, God has continously reminded us that all powers belong to Him. Powers of life and death belong to Him.
“It’s just that many times we forget. But He constantly reminds us every time we pick the Bible to read or we pick the Quran to read, we will continue to see where God will tell you that He alone gives life, He alone takes life. And so I was condoled by remembrance that God Almighty alone has the power.
“I always want to remind us about what the Bible and the Quran said, that we should always put everything behind us and realize that these people actually returned to God Almighty as He alone has the power to take their lives and nobody else. We should always be reminded by that, if indeed, we are men of God, that is people who believe in God and believe in what the two holy books said,” the Governor stated.
Engineer Sule eulogized the former deputy governor, who he described as a brother and dependable ally, who despite his rise to become councillor, majority leader at the state assembly, commissioner and deputy governor, chosed to live amongst his people.
“I am not surprised with the gathering every time there is an opportunity for this. I have always come to this house to meet him with a lot of people because he has always been known as the man of the people. The man who believed that things must be done in a straightforward manner, people must be straightforward, people must be honest. God has called him, so we pray for him. May the Almighty God who has called him make him rest in peace,” he said.
At the family residence of the late Prince Renshama Awolowo Iliya Rini, the Governor described the passage of the former Akwanga LG Chairman as a lesson, as according to him, Awolowo wasn’t known to be suffering from any illness.
He however appealed to the members of the late Awolowo’s family to knit together and remain united and to always resort to wise counsel when confronted with thorny issues.
Engineer Sule particularly condoled with the families of the bereaved, while urging the Chun Mada, HRH Pasto Samson Gamu Yare to remain strong in spite of the loss suffered by the Mada nation.
Earlier, in a welcome address, Chairman, Akwanga Local Government Area, Hon. Safiyanu Isa Andaha, informed the Governor that the Mada nation has been thrown into mourning following the demise of their two illustrious sons.
“While you are away, your local government, your land has been in mourning. A lots of things have been happening. Last week Monday, we lost one of your own, Prince Renshama Awolowo, a former chairman of this local government. On Monday, two days back, we lost someone very close to you, your ally, someone very dependable, someone very reliable, someone with high integrity in this land. A former councillor, majority leader at the House of Assembly, Commissioner and indeed, a former deputy governor, His Excellency, Damishi Barau Luka. His passage has really touched us. Your Excellency, your land has been mourning since the news broke of his demise,” Hon. Andaha said.
While noting that with the passage of Damishi Barau Luka, the council, Mada nation and the entire Nasarawa State has lost a political icon, Hon Andaha mourned the passage of the firmer deputy governor who he described as a mentor.
The Akwanga Local Government chairman urged the people to imbibe the inherent lesson in the demise of the two great Mada sons, towards fostering peace, reconciliation and togetherness for the development of Mada land.
In a vote of thanks, the Chun Mada, HRH Pastor Samson Gamu Yare, appreciated the Governor for taking time to visit and condole with the families and people of Akwanga Local Government Area over the loss the the two prominent Mada sons.
“By sacrificing to come and condole with us as your brothers, we lack words to express our appreciation. It’s said in the holy scripture it’s better to visit the house mourning than a house of festivities.
“Just like it was said, yesterday preparations were completed to celebrate your birthday only for us to be accosted with this sad news of this great loss. Certainly, Your Excellency, this is one death too many. We are consoled by your heartwarming visit and words of encouragement which will linger in our hearts to foster unity, peace and love, forgiveness and tolerance amongst us.
“On behalf of the family, the entire Ningo community, and by extension, the entire Mada land, we appreciate you for this magnanimity,” the Chun Mada stated.
