Sanwo-Olu mourns Isa Funtua

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has commiserated with President Muhammadu Buhari for the passing of a close friend and political associate, Malam Isma’ila Isa Funtua who died on Monday night while keeping a doctor’s appointment, according to family sources.

Isa-Funtua was said to be returning from the mosque where he went to pray when he suddenly fell ill and decided to go see a doctor.

Sanwo-Olu described the death of as a great loss to Nigeria, happening at a time when the country is desirous of more men of good conscience to offer wise counsel in the nation’s drive towards socio-political and economic development.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile on Tuesday, Sanwo-Olu  said: “Although the loss of a loved one is usually a painful experience, we should take solace in the fact that death itself is a natural occurrence and it is inevitable”.

Governor Sanwo-Olu added that the late Isa Funtua would be missed by a wide range of people and professional bodies, especially the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN).

He said: the late elder statesman lived a life of purpose, championing the right causes such as a free press, which is the soul of democracy. He was a philanthropist of note, a well respected personality with a lot of knowledge and experience.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu commiserated with President Muhammadu Buhari, his immediate family, the governor and people of Katsina state, praying that almighty Allah grants the deceased Aljanah firdaus and gives those he has left behind the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Isa Funtua who is suspected to have  died of cardiac arrest as he was not known to be seriously sick was a close associate of President Muhammadu Buhari and Second Republic minister under the civilian administration of Shehu Shagari.

The Katsina born industrialist was a member of the 1994-1995 Constitutional Conference and founder of Bulet International Nigeria Limited, which built some of the iconic public buildings in Abuja.

He will be buried on Tuesday in Abuja.