17th August, 2021
By Abankula
Senator Ibrahim Mantu, the former deputy senate president died of COVID-19 complications.
The sobering fact became known at his burial in Abuja today, when the pall bearers appeared in white protective suits.
They were the only people, who carried the body of the 74 year-old politician, into his grave.
Family members had merely said he died after a 10-day illness at the DIFF Medical Centre on Oladipo Diya Way in Abuja early today.
There was no information about the cause of death.
Mantu’s colleague who noted the development lamented to P.M.News:
“Another friend and colleague dies of COVID. Please let’s continue to stay safe”
Mantu’s death shocked many of his political acquaintances, colleagues and friends.
Condolence messages and tributes have been pouring in to mourn him and celebrate his political contributions to Nigeria.
One of his colleagues in the Senate, David Mark, who became Senate President in 2007, expressed shock and sadness.
Mark, in a statement signed by his Media Aide, Paul Mumeh, on Tuesday in Minna, said Mantu’s death was a devastating loss to the political class.
He noted that the former lawmaker died at a time when his wealth of experience, wisdom and services were most needed to navigate through the murky political terrain.
Mark described Mantu as a flamboyant leader, who brought panache, character and sagacity to the political space.
The former Senate president stated: “In Mantu, I have lost a friend, brother and compatriot who believed in the sanctity of our unity and ideals of nationhood.
“Mantu played a politics of inclusiveness, fairness, equity and justice. He was a politician who built bridges of understanding across the length and breadth of Nigeria.
“He was a political leader of high repute. He stood to be counted when it mattered. His death is indeed one too many. He will sorely be missed.
“I am however, consoled that Mantu lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation,”Mark said.
The former Senate president prayed God in His infinite mercies to grant the deceased eternal rest and his family the fortitude to bear the loss.