The President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, has expressed grief over the death of former Senate Chief Whip, Sen. Kanti Bello, (72), who passed away on Tuesday in Abuja.
The deceased, who served in the Senate for two terms represented Katsina North Senatorial District between 2003 and 2011 on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Saraki, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Yusuph Olaniyonu, described late Bello as an outspoken and courageous legislator.
He noted that Bello was always guided by national interest and that of his community in discharging his legislative responsibilities.
“With the death of Sen. Kanti Bello, the Senate and indeed the National Assembly has lost a reliable adviser.
‘’His wise counsel on national issues was always being sought by both the leadership and individual senators.
“During his stay in the Senate, late Bello was known for his outspokenness, forthrightness and courage in telling the truth to those in power without attaching any partisan, religious or tribal sentiments,’’ he said.
The President of the Senate said the late lawmaker’s wise counsel, insight and forthrightness would be missed by the Senate, his community and the country at large.
While sympathising with the immediate family of the deceased his friends, constituents and the government and people of Katsina State, Saraki prayed Almighty Allah to grant his soul eternal rest.
Also the immediate past President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, has described late Bello, as a pragmatic, courageous and fearless parliamentarian who would be sorely missed .
Reacting to the demise of Senator Bello in Abuja today, Senator Mark noted that late lawmaker’s exit has created a vacuum in the contemporary politics of Nigeria.
He stated that death is an inevitable end that will come when it shall but Bello’s death is particularly painful as it came at a time when his wealth of experience and knowledge would have been needed to navigate through the murky political waters .
“Bello was a vibrant and fearless parliamentarian who identified with the ordinary people in the society. He dislikes and abhors oppression. He believes in the rule of law and justice for all.”
“Senator Mark stated that “We are however consoled that Bello left a robust and excellent legacy of service to country and humanity worthy of emulation.
“In all his political and professional career, Bello made the citizens the focal point of his services . His death at this time is a monumental loss,” he said.
He noted that late Bello will be remembered for his meritorious services to mankind and country even as he urged the bereaved family to take solace In the fact that Bello left his positive footprint on the sand of time.
Bello was chief whip of the Senate between 2007 and 2011 when Mark was the President of the Senate.
