SPEAKER of the House of Representatives, Honourable Yakubu Dogara on Wednesday expressed worry on the number of deaths recorded in the legislative arm of government in the current 8th Assembly.
Honourable Dogara spoke during the valedictory session held in honour of late Deputy Leader of the House, Honourable Buba Jibril.
The House also used the occasion to eulogise Senator Ali Wakil from Bauchi state, Senator Mustapha Bukar from Katsina state as well a former member, Hon Independence Ogunlewe from Imo state.
Honourable Dogara said that “late Hon Buba Jubril never leaned on political godfathers for elections. He always stood his ground on critical issues. After he came back from London, I appealed to him to soften his stand on the N.G.O Bill, but he stated that he was tired of Nigerians being short-changed by N.G.Os and would not shift his stand.
“The cold hands of death may have stolen his voice, but not his works, it came for him at the summit of his life, when his works had blossomed. I have lost a brother and a friend, his legacy lives on. No doubt these are trying times for the National Assembly, I cannot effectively convey all in my mind. Our thoughts are with the families of these great fallen soldiers of democracy,” he stated.
The Deputy Speaker, Hon. Yussuff Lasun, noted that “as politicians, we live frivolous lives, we barely take care of the essentials with the priority they deserve. Nigerian politics breeds poverty and neglect. As has been said, Hon. Buba was the voice of the Leadership, and that voice would be sorely missed”.
The House Leader, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila on his part said that “it is ironic that members are gathered to mourn such a great leader. Hon Buba’s seat may be physically filled in the coming days, but it will be empty in a way for me forever. He had a positive energy always flowing, he let so much across without saying much, he had a generous heart and a heart of generosity. We must ensure we make it a priority that his family would be looked after”
Also speaking, Honourable Aminu Shehu Shagari described late Buba Jibril as a fearless leader and prayed for the repose of his soul.
Hon. Saheed Fijabi, noted that,” in the midst of the sorrow, I want to celebrate the life of Hon. Buba Jibril who was like a father to me. Today is like a lesson to me on the temporary nature of the human life, what legacy will we leave behind?”
Paying tribute to the late lawmaker, Hon Nnenna Ukeje said, “it is with a very heart that I rise to speak about someone who was a total picture of humility and kindness. He always gave God the Glory for how far he had come in life. He was never in any kind of controversy, and always looking to seek the solutions to problems. Among Members, he was a good friend among colleagues.
“We will miss his hospitality and the fish/ lunch he always brought. He always advised me on the growth of my family. There are lines colleagues don’t cross, Hon. Buba Jibril crossed those lines in care and love. It is sobering to speak of him thus, he was a guiding light and imposing figure of love and authority”.
Deputy Minority Leader, Honourable Chukwuka Onyema said that “Hon. Buba Jubril was a man of his people, he always had and defended their interests. His death is a time for sober reflection and we should rededicate ourselves to God and live right. Let us keep up our togetherness and keep it a strong House”.