President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki and the Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara, have expressed sadness on the death of former Minister of Finance, Alhaji Adamu Ciroma.
They described his demise at 84, as a “great loss’’, describing him as a “patriot par excellence’’.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja on Thursday, Saraki said with the death of Ciroma, Nigeria had lost one of its illustrious sons and highly respected elder statesmen.
“Although death is painful, but it gladdens my heart that late Ciroma lived a worthy and successful life.
“As a public servant, late Ciroma’s integrity was unparalleled; as a politician, he was unblemished and as a journalist, he was among the finest breed.
“Indeed there is no word or adjective that will be enough to describe late Ciroma, considering his invaluable contributions to the development of the country.
“We have lost a detribalised Nigerian, bridge-builder and a strong pillar for nation’s unity. He will surely be remembered for his forthrightness and integrity. We shall miss him greatly,” he said.
Saraki commiserated with the family of the deceased, government and people of Yobe over the loss, and urged Federal Government to immortalise him by naming a strategic national monument after him.
On his part, Dogara said late Ciroma, a former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) was one of the nation’s “shining stars and frontline statesmen’’ who demonstrated passion for the unity, progress and development of Nigeria.
He said in a statement that the late statesman was an “icon of transparency and an epitome of integrity who lived an incorruptible life’’.
“Indeed we lost a great man, a patriot, leader par excellence and a shining star.
“Malam Adamu Ciroma was one of the few surviving close associates of the late Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello.
“He remained a consistent advocate for the struggle to see Nigeria achieve the dreams of her founding fathers,” he said.
Dogara said that Ciroma was an intellectual genius and highly cosmopolitan public servant who exhibited high sense of patriotism, passion and enthusiasm for the progress and development of the country.
He recalled that while as first indigenous Editor and Managing Director of New Nigerian Newspaper, CBN Governor and Minister in different administrations, Ciroma distinguished himself as an epitome of integrity.
According to Dogara, Ciroma was indeed a rare Nigerian, accomplished administrator, uncommon patriot and distinguished elder statesman, who lived an eventful, exemplary and accomplished life worthy of emulation.
“On behalf of the entire membership of the House of Representatives, I wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, the government and people of Yobe as well as to his associates and admirers.’’
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