Deji Elumoye,, Olawale Ajimotokan and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
The federal government, the House of Representatives and former President Muhammadu Buhari have mourned veteran journalist, author, and politician, Sidi Hamid Ali, who passed away after a long illness.
Also, the House has condoled with the family of Senator Ayogu Eze, as well as the people and Government of Enugu State, on his demise.
The late Ayogu Eze, 62, whose sad demise occurred on Thursday, was a member of the National Assembly representing Enugu North Senatorial District on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) between 2007 and 2015.
He served as Senate Spokesman in the 6th National Assembly, where he gained national prominence. The late Eze practised as a journalist before joining politics in 1998, after which he was elected pioneer State Secretary of the PDP, Enugu Chapter.
He also served in various capacities as Commissioner for Information and Culture under then Governor Chimaroke Nnamani, and Special Adviser to the then governor.
Eze held the position of Federal Commissioner of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) before his demise, following his confirmation by the Red Chamber in May 2023.
In a statement yesterday, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammad Idris, acknowledged Ali’s contributions to the field of journalism, literature, and politics.
He added that he left an indelible mark in the country adding his death would be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
He said: “Throughout his illustrious career, Alhaji Sidi Ali exemplified high standards of professionalism and integrity and provided invaluable insights with historical references into the pressing issues of our time. His eloquent writing style captivated audiences and earned him widespread acclaim.
“As we mourn the loss of Alhaji Sidi Ali, we also celebrate his legacy and the impact he has had on our nation. His wisdom, compassion, and dedication to his craft will continue to inspire generations to come.”
He expressed deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Alhaji Sidi Ali on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, while praying for his soul to rest in peace, and his memory be a source of comfort and strength during this difficult time.
For his part, Buhari who called the late journalist a creative writer, in statement, noted that Ali won his admiration when he wrote an excellent book chronicling his war against the twin evils of corruption and indiscipline as Military Head of State and followed up with another publication on his accomplishments as an elected civilian president.
In another release yesterday, ex-President Buhari condoled the death of a famous medical doctor, Dr. Faiz Baffa Yola who also died after a prolonged illness. In the message to Abdulrahman Baffa Yola, a younger brother of the deceased, the former president said Baffa lived, not for himself but for the family, Kano community, and the nation.
The spokesperson of the House, Hon. Akin Rotimi, while mourning the demise of Ali in a statement issued yesterday, said the two-term member represented Dambatta Constituency on the platform of People’s Redemption Party (PRP), and served on the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) where he made impressive contributions.
