Notable Nigerians have registered their sympathy to family of Senator Olusola Saraki, describing his death as a big loss to Nigeria and Kwara state.
Second Republic political Adviser, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, Second Republic Deputy Senate President, Abubakra Mamman Dan Musa, and former civilian governor of old Kaduna state, Alhaji Lawal Kaita all paid tributes to the departed strong man of Kwara politics.
In his message, Tanko said the death of Senator Abubakar Olusola Sarki is a great loss, not only to his family and political associate but to the people of Kwara state and the nation in general.
He described Sarki as a man whose philanthropic excellence cannot be rivaled adding that he is also a symbol of unity of the country, having father from the North and mother from the West.
“His demise signaled a painful end of an era as it will take a very long time for Nigeria to replace him. Saraki was able to master the loyalty of his people for decades and was able to use that position to forge a strong national unity.
“By his death, Nigeria has lost one of its leaders who worked hard to sustain and strengthen democracy in the nation. He established bonds of friendship across ethnic and religious divide in Nigeria. He died as an embodiment of national unity.
“May Allah forgive his sins and grant an abode in Jannatul Firdaus. May Allah grant his family the fortitude and courage to bear the irreparable loss. May his gentle soul rest in eternal peace.”
He prayed that Allah may grant his family and the nation the fortitude to bear the loss.
Second Republic Senate President, Dan Musa described the late Saraki as a great man, whose contributions promoted stability and peace in the country, adding that he was a great politician who worked for his people and enjoyed tremendous political goodwill from his people.
He recalled that until 2011 when he was defeated in politics, Saraki had remained a political over-lord in Kwara politics.
He was a known pillar of Kwara politics and led his people well. While Kaita summarized his grief thus: “It is a sad development and a big loss to Nigeria. He was an outstanding person in Nigeria politics.”