…Widow kidnapped on her way to his burial.
By Lucky Isibor,
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has mourned the passing of former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Zakawanu Garuba.
In a statement, the governor said the former Speaker’s passing is “a deep personal loss to him.”
According to him, “I received the news of the passing of Rt. Hon. Zakawanu Garuba with a heavy heart. He was an outstanding Nigerian and a good man. He worked for the good of the people and contributed his quota to the development of his immediate community and the state.
“As Executive Commissioner, Corporate Services & Supervising Executive Commissioner, Operations at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Nigeria, late Garuba performed brilliantly, distinguishing himself as a true Edo son with his commitment to duty, innovativeness and sheer dexterity.
“As a politician and Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, he performed his tasks diligently, served the people meritoriously and provided sterling leadership to the legislative arm of government.
“He excelled in his private practice as a constitutional lawyer, bringing panache to the noble profession.
“The former speaker was indeed an astute politician and his wise counsel will be greatly missed. We pray that God grants his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” he added.
The PDP in a statement signed by it’s publicity secretary, Chris Nehikhare said the news of the death came to the party with rude shock.
“We are saddened that our former speaker, loyal, dependable, trusted and dedicated member of our party passed on at this critical time but we cannot question God’s will.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as we ask God to give them the fortitude to bear this loss.
“We pray God to grant Zakawanu eternal rest,” the statement concluded.
Rt. Hon. Garuba was elected into the Edo State House of Assembly in 2003, on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He was reelected for a second term in 2007.
While in the House, he served as chairman of the House committee on judiciary, human rights, and legal matters. He became Speaker in 2007.
Meanwhile information just reaching Summit News says that the widow and aides of Zakawanu Garuba were kidnapped along Abuja/ Auchi road on their way to Auchi for the burial of the late former Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly. As at the time of going to press the kidnappers have not made contact with the family.
