Former Presidential Candidate and a Businessman, Mr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim on Friday December 29th, 2023 visited with the family of the Late Ghali Na’Abba, former Speaker of Nigeria’ House of Representatives.
In his entourage, were the Atiku Youth wing team lead, Hon Idris Ibrahim Kalgo alongside Chief of Staff to His Excellency, Mr. Kamaluddeen Adebayo among others.
Among those who received him are the PDP frontliners like former Governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah, Sen Abdul Ningi as well as former Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris amongst others.
In his remarks and tribute, Olawepo-Hashim noted that “It is with a heavy heart but with total submission to the will of the Almighty Allah, that we received the news of the passing away of a remarkable lawmaker and statesman who fought doggedly for the independence of the legislature and personified the politics of principles.”
“I condole with the government and good people of Kano State, as well as the bereaved family members, loved ones, political associates and friends on the colossal loss of a great patriot of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”, he said.
He added that, Rt. Hon. Umar Ghali Na’abba made a mark as Speaker of the House of Representatives. He also worked assiduously to advance the frontiers of constitutionalism, fundamental rights and freedoms, and democracy.
According to him, “Na’abba was intellectually engaging, progressive, focused and fearless. Out of office, he took on the role of a public commentator calling attention to the wrong steps of public officials and warning of dire consequences if we fail to retrace our steps.”
“He lived a pious and exemplary life, dedicated to the patriotic service of Nigeria, our dear country and humanity in general”.
He equally maintained that Hon Ghali Na’ Abba was a “distinguished parliamentarian whose stewardship as the number one legislator in the green chamber of the National Assembly, provided stability, cohesion across party lines and indeed, mutual collaboration with the executive arm of government”.
Nigeria he noted, has indeed lost an “extraordinary public intellectual, lawmaker and statesman. Rt. Hon. Ghali Na’abba lived a life of impact. He will be sorely missed.”
Na’Abba, who was 65 years old, served as the second Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives in the 4th Republic from 1999 to 2003, was widely regarded as a committed democrat and a fearless politician, who championed the doctrine of separation of powers that is essential for a functioning democracy.
During his tenure as the speaker, he led the House of Representatives to pass several landmark legislations and established institutions and parliamentary precedents that are still relevant today.
Olawepo-Hashim prayed that Almighty Allah would grant his family and loved ones the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and grant him eternal rest in paradise.
“As you transit to the next world, I pray that Allah will have mercy on your soul and grant you paradise. Rest on Rt. Hon. Ghali Umar Na’Abba,” he said