The political landscape of Kano State was plunged into grief on Wednesday as two serving members of the State House of Assembly passed away within hours of each other. The lawmakers, both members of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), were laid to rest in emotional ceremonies attended by the state's top political figures.
Final Rites and Prominent Mourners
Hon. Aliyu Sarki Daneji, the former Chairman of the House Committee on Hajj who represented Municipal constituency, was the first to be buried. He died in hospital after a protracted illness. His Islamic funeral prayers (Jannaza) were held at the Central Mosque near the Emir’s Palace on Thursday morning. He was laid to rest at the Dandolo cemetery in the city centre around 10:40 am.
The funeral attracted a high-profile gathering. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the national leader of the NNPP, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, led the mourners. They were joined by Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdussalam, numerous government officials, party loyalists, and a host of other sympathizers.
Hon. Aminu Sa’ad Ungogo, the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation representing Ungogo constituency, had been buried earlier, on Wednesday evening. His burial was also attended by hundreds of party supporters and loyalists who came to pay their last respects. Unlike his colleague, Ungogo died suddenly in his office at the State House of Assembly.
A State in Shock and Official Condolences
The near-simultaneous demise of the two legislators sent shockwaves through Kano's political circles. Governor Abba Yusuf expressed profound shock and deep pain over the sudden tragedy. In a statement signed by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor described the event as a "dark and heartbreaking moment in the state’s history."
Governor Yusuf stated that the loss has thrown the government and people of Kano into collective grief, emphasizing that the death of two vibrant lawmakers within hours is a profound tragedy. He eulogized the deceased as dedicated public servants, loyal politicians, and dependable voices for their constituents, whose commitment to lawmaking was unquestionable.
"Kano State has lost two sons who devoted their lives to public service," the governor said, noting that their sudden departure has created a painful void in the Assembly and their home communities of Kano Municipal and Ungogo Local Government Areas.
He extended his condolences to the bereaved families, the leadership of the State Assembly, and the people of the affected constituencies. Governor Yusuf prayed for Allah's forgiveness and mercy for the departed, urging the people of Kano to remain calm, united, and prayerful in the face of this test of faith.
National Figures Join in Mourning
The outpouring of grief extended beyond the state. The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, who also serves as the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, mourned the passing of the lawmakers. In a statement issued by his media aide, Malam Ismail Mudashir, Senator Barau sent his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, their constituents, and the Kano State Government.
"May Almighty Allah forgive their shortcomings, grant them Jannatul Firdaus, and give their loved ones the strength to bear these irreparable losses," the Senator said.
The tragic incident has undoubtedly created a significant vacuum in the Kano State House of Assembly, leaving colleagues and constituents to grapple with the monumental loss of two of their representatives in a single, sorrowful day.
