Mallam Adamu Ciroma

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha, and President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, on Thursday, described the death of former Minister of Finance, Malam Adamu Ciroma as a big loss to the country.

Mustapha and Saraki made the remarks while reacting to the death of Ciroma in an interview with newsmen at the funeral prayer for the deceased at Al-Nur Mosque, in Abuja.

The SGF said that Nigeria has lost a custodian of its history, adding that Ciroma has left a legacy of promoting one Nigeria.

According to him, the deceased will be greatly remembered for his stand about the unity, progress and development of the country.

He said that the late Ciroma was always practical and pragmatic when it came to issue of politics, saying “some of us that actually started way behind them always look up to him.

“ Ciroma was a man endowed with a lot of knowledge, negotiation skills and at the end of the day whatever he did Nigeria interest was always paramount to him.

“ I commiserate with his family, the people of Fika Local Government, the Yobe State Government and the entire nation, “ Mustapha said.

Also speaking, President of the Senate said Ciroma had contributed immensely to the development, peace and unity of the country.

“ For us who have known him for a very long time, he had played a very important role in our lives and it is a great loss for us.

“ I pray that may Allah grant him entry into paradise and give his immediate family the fortitude to bear the loss, “ Saraki said.

On his part, former National Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, said the country would continue to feel the demise of Adamu Ciroma because of his commitment to the country.

“ Ciroma was a very straight forward person and a leader per excellence and I pray may Allah grant him Aljannatur Firdaus.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the funeral prayer, which was led by the Chief Imam of Al-Nur mosque, Sheikh Mohammad Liman, was attended by Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe.

Other dignitaries, who attended the funeral prayer, were Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, Amb. Babagana Kingibe, former SGF, Yayale Ahmed, Amb. Sarki Tafida among many others.

The remains of the deceased were buried at the Gaduwa cemetery amid tears and prayers by family, friends and muslim ummah.

Adamu Ciroma was born in Nov. 20, 1934 in Potiskum, Yobe State, and died on Thursday at the Turkish hospital, Abuja, after a protracted illness.

He was a founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and served as Minister of Finance in the government of former President Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999 to 2003.

He was the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) between Sept.1975 and June 1977.