The President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, the national leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and the Presidential candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 election, Atiku Abubakar have expressed sadness over the death of the first civilian governor of Lagos State under the Second Republic’s Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), Alhaji Lateef Jakande. He died today, February 11 at the age of 91
In his condolence message, President Buhari said that Lateef Jakande lived for the good of others, state and country, and that his legacy of standing for all that was right for humanity would be long remembered.
The President, said that Jakande’s imprint on the commercial nerve centre of the country, Lagos State, which was the former National capital, will continue to awe and inspire, reminding everyone of the strength of character and sacrifices of the visionary leader.
He said that the contributions of Jakande, who had also at one time served as Minister of Works, to the growth of democracy and good governance in the country showed him as a patriot, whose wisdom will run through generations, especially in putting people first in development plans.
The President specially condoled with the government and people of Lagos State, Nigerian Union of Journalists, and Nigerian Guild of Editors, in mourning the veteran journalist, praying that God will receive his soul and grant him eternal rest.
In his condolence message too, Asiwaju Tinubu described late Lateef Jakande as the last of the political titans ranking with the likes of Chief ObafemiAwolowo, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Adekunle Ajasin, Pa Abraham Adesanya, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Olabiyi Onabanjo, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, Alhaji Aminu Kano, among others.
He said that late Jakande was also a mature statesman never given to histrionics or fanning the embers of disunity, adding that at difficult moments in the nation’s history, such as the struggle against military dictatorship, he took personal painful decisions that cost him a lot, but his integrity was never impugned.
“We Celebrate, Not Mourn Jakande. Today, we lost a great soul. Pa Lateef Kayode Jakande exemplified the best of Lagos and of Nigeria.
“We celebrate Papa’s life and his legacy and we must do our best to continue to build on them. May Almighty Allah grant Baba JakandeAljannaFirdaus. Amin.”
Also, Atiku Abubakar said that Alhaji Jakande until his passing today, remained one of the last icons of our nationhood and in whose life are enormous examples that we can get inspiration from in the much-needed drive in rebuilding our psyche as a people.
Atiku said that Jakande’s legacies in Lagos State, where he was the first civilian governor, remains emblematic of good governance and infrastructure development, not just in Lagos State but in the whole of the country.
“His works in promoting qualitative public education and welfare in public service will continue to stand for him as a glowing tribute of the life of service that he lived.”
