Both chambers of the National Assembly to adjourned plenary in honour of late Ali Wakili who slumped and died on Saturday and has since been buried according to Islamic rites
At the upper legislative chamber, senator Ahmed Lawan, the senate leader who later moved for adjournment said the country had lost a lawmaker who fought for the development of democracy in the country.
“On the 17th of this month, Saturday we woke up to a very sad news of the death of our friend, our brother and our colleague, very distinguished senator Ali Wakili,” Lawan said.
“Mr president this is sad for not only this senate. Not only his senatorial district that he represented but for his entire country and the development of democracy in Nigeria
“It is tradition that when this kind of divine incident happens and we lose a colleague in the senate or house of representatives we normally observe one-minute silence in the honour of the departed and also adjourn plenary and suspend activities in the national assembly in honour of the deceased. May his soul rest in peace.”
On his part, Senate President Bukola Saraki said a special valedictory session would be held in Wakili’s honour on Wednesday.
Similarly, house of representatives members also paid special tributes to late senator.
While speaking on the virtues of late senator Ali wakili, Hon. Jerry Alagboso, from Imo state described late senator Wakili as a dedicated person while working as an officer of the Nigeria Customs Service and as a lawmaker.
He said the late legislator was “always cheerful, accommodating and committed to the plight of the masses”.
Similarly, Hassan Yuguda, from Jigawa, said Wakili was committed to his duty while serving as the chairman of the senate committee on poverty alleviation.
He said the senator will be greatly missed by both chambers of the national assembly as well as the people of Bauchi state.
Speaking, Hon. Abdul Raheem Olajide Jimoh, representing Lagos Mainland Federal constituency who also paid tribute to late Senator Ali wakili described his demise as a lesson for all. He noted that death is inevitable.
Other members who also spoke at the plenary in their sober mood described late senator Ali wakili as God fearing, straight forward and caring person among other virtues.
The House said a short prayers for the late senator after which Yakubu Dogara, speaker of the house, ruled on the adjournment of proceedings to honour late senator Ali wakili and members went straight to sign the condolence register.
Senator Ali wakili aged 58 represented Bauch South senatorial district slumped and died on Saturday 17th March and has since buried according to Islamic rites.
He was chairman Senate committee on poverty alleviation and belonged to other committee of the Senate.