President Muhammadu Buhari has sent his condolences to the Government and the people of Katsina State for the death of Ismail Isa Funtua.
In a statement released by the president’s spokesperson, Garba Shehu, on Monday, the president described the deceased as “greatly admired and respected’’.
Various media outlets confirmed that Mr Buhari’s close associate died on Monday night while attending a doctor’s appointment, according to family sources.
The Katsina-born newspaper publisher and industrialist was a minister under the civil administration of Shehu Shagari.
A member of the 1994-1995 Constitutional Conference, he was also the founder of Bulet International Nigeria Limited, which built some of the emblematic public buildings in Abuja.
According to the statement, Mr Buhari received with deep sadness information on the passing of his longtime friend and associate, who was Life Patron of International Press Institute and Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN).
President Buhari said that his death created a huge void as Malam Funtua constantly stood by the President on his political journey.
The President begged God to rest Mr. Funtua ‘s soul and to give the family strength and courage to bear the loss.
Also, a former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) 2019 Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has commiserated with the family of Mr Funtua.
In a statement published on Twitter on Tuesday morning, he said, “Inna lillahi wa inna Ilaihi Rajiun! On behalf of my family, I convey my deepest condolences to the Funtua family over the loss of its patriarch, Ismaila lsa Funtua.
“May Allah forgive his sins and grant him Aljannah Firdaus. I pray for the needed comfort and strength for his family, friends and associates to bear the loss. Ameen,” he added.
May Allah forgive his sins and grant him Aljannah Firdaus. I pray for the needed comfort and strength for his family, friends and associates to bear the loss. Ameen. -AA
— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) July 20, 2020
In his message, a former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, also commiserated with the family of Mr Funtua.
In a statement released on Monday night, Mr Saraki said, “Inalilahi Wa Ina Ilaehi Rajihun. I condole with His Excellency, President @MBuhari GCFR, on the death of Alhaji Ismaila Isa Funtua. As a valued associate of my late father, Alhaji Funtua always made himself available as a fountain of wisdom.
“He was always ready to offer his advice and give a fresh perspective to issues. I will miss him and the country will miss a detribalised Nigerian and symbol of national unity that he was.
“My condolences go to his family, his associates, the people and government of Katsina State and the entire country. May Almighty Allah (SWT) forgive his sins and grant him a place in Aljannah Firdaus”, he added.
He was always ready to offer his advice and give a fresh perspective to issues. I will miss him and the country will miss a detribalised Nigerian and symbol of national unity that he was.
— Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki (@bukolasaraki) July 20, 2020
My condolences go to his family, his associates, the people and government of Katsina State and the entire country. May Almighty Allah (SWT) forgive his sins and grant him a place in Aljannah Firdaus.
— Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki (@bukolasaraki) July 20, 2020
Former senator representing Bayelsa East constituency, Ben Murray-Bruce, in a post on Twitter on Monday said, “I am saddened by the death of my brother and senior colleague, Mallam Isa Funtua. I spoke to him just three hours before his reported death, and he promised to further call me tomorrow. I pray that God comforts his family and loved ones, and may his soul rest in peace.”
I am saddened by the death of my brother and senior colleague, Mallam Isa Funtua. I spoke to him just three hours before his reported death, and he promised to further call me tomorrow. I pray that God comforts his family and loved ones, and may his soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/zISZWcTJMT
— Ben Murray-Bruce (@benmurraybruce) July 20, 2020
Also, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, said in a Twitter post on Monday, ”Malam Ismaila Isa Funtua was a Distinguished elder statesman, media icon, construction magnate, industrialist & a patriot whose legacies are too numerous to list. My condolences to his family, friends, associates, the people & Govt of Katsina state. May his soul rest in peace.”
Malam Ismaila Isa Funtua was a Distinguished elderstatesman, media icon, construction magnate, industrialist & a patriot whose legacies are too numerous to list. My condolences to his family, friends, associates, the people & Govt of Katsina state. May his soul rest in peace.
— Rt Hon Yakubu Dogara (@YakubDogara) July 20, 2020
