Umaru Shinkafi, Marafan Sokoto, who died Wednesday afternoon at a London hospital was a true statesman whose selfless and meritorious service to God, country and humanity was felt by all, Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has said.
In a message of condolence issued in Sokoto by his spokesman, Malam Imam Imam, Tambuwal described Shinkafi as a distinguished legal luminary, security expert, politician with conscience and great community leader and mobiliser.
“Marafa’s death has closed a chapter in the life of one Nigeria’s most valuable public officers who made his mark in both public and private sectors. He was a truly passionate Nigerian whose invaluable contributions to issues of national interest will be greatly missed.
“His law office served as training ground for many aspiring lawyers in Sokoto State and beyond.
While condoling his immediate family, the people and government of Zamfara State and the Sultanate Council of Sokoto, Tambuwal prayed to God to grant the deceased eternal rest.
Shinkafi, 79 died at the Harefield Hospital, Hill End Road, Harefield, Middlesex, in the United Kingdom Wednesday afternoon after a prolonged illness.
Sources at the Palace of Sultan of Sokoto indicate that the deceased passed away in the company of his wives, children and extended family members.
His body is on it’s way to Nigeria, and will be buried on Friday after burial rites are conducted according to Islamic injunction.
Born in Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State in January 1937, he attended Sokoto Middle School, and later Barewa College, Zaria and was called to the Bar in 1974.
He was acting Federal Commissioner of External Affairs and headed a number of OAU mediation commissions.
Shinkafi served as the pioneer head of the Nigeria Security Organisation (NSO).
He was at one time the Chairman of International bank for West Africa. Since 2012, he served as the Pro Chancellor of Sokoto State University.
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