The senator representing Borno Central, Ahmed Zannah, died Saturday in Abuja at the age of 60.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) senator was originally elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2011 after defeating former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff, who contested on the platform of the defunct ANPP.
Zannah was re-elected in last month’s election only to succumb to stroke after returning to Nigeria from medical treatment in London.
He was a vitriolic critic of President Goodluck Jonathan over his poor handling of the Boko Haram menace in the Northeast which led to the dislocation and capture of a substantial population of his constituents.
Meanwhile, Senate President David Mark has described Zanna’s death as a big blow to the senate and the nation, just as the Chairman of its Committee on Environment and Ecology, Dr. Bukola Saraki expressed sadness at his demise.
Mark in a statement through his Chief Press Secretary, Paul Mumeh, said Zannah’s death was one too many, been the fifth member of the 7th Senate to pass on.
Mark noted that Zanna was a gentleman who was very mindful of his legislative assignments and the welfare of his constituents and the nation at large.
“Senator Zanna’s death coming a few days after the demise of Senator Uche Chukwumerije is a big blow to the Senate and the nation. This is certainly not the best of times for us. These deaths in quick succession are heart breaking.
“We cannot question the will of the Almighty. We can only ask that our Creator give us the fortitude to bear this sad loss and grant the deceased eternal rest,” Mark said.
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