Saraki, Dogara, Masari, El-Rufai, others mourn Coomassie

Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has expressed grief over the death of former Inspector General of Police and Chairman of Arewa Consultative Forum, Ibrahim Coomassie.
Coomassie died at the age of 76 on Thursday after battling protracted ailment.
In a condolence message, Dogara described the late Sardaunan Katsina as an illustrious Nigerian and eminent statesman who served the country meritoriously and dutifully, both in his career in the Nigerian police and in retirement.
“This is indeed a huge loss, especially at this trying time of security challenges when the country is in dire need of professional advice and elderly guidance from people of the ex-IGP’s calibre.
But we must take solace in the fact that the late Coomassie left a legacy of professionalism and selfless service to the country and humanity and will continue to be remembered for his outstanding courage, discipline and exemplary leadership, both in service as the police helmsman and in retirement.
Similarly, Katsina state Governor, Aminu Masari, expressed profound sadness over the death of the former IGP.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Abdu Malumfashi, the governor said Nigeria has lost one of “its last standing patriots who served the nation with distinction”.
“Katsina state has lost a son that everybody was proud to be associated with.
He was a true patriot who had little time for anything other the pursuit of advancing the interest of Nigeria.
“Alhaji Ibrahim Coomassie has left a vacuum that will take time to fill.
It is my sincere hope that other leaders will strive to emulate him” Kaduna state Governor, Nasir ElRufai also in a statement by Samuel Aruwan, his Senior Special Assistant on Media said the late Coomassie made his mark as a public servant, and a respected leader.
“Ibrahim Coomassie was a patriot and a distinguished Nigerian, who gave his all to foster peace, unity and progress of the country.
“We are grateful to him for his public service and the leadership he provided outside government.
We recall with fondness his sterling role in the successful durbar that was held in December 2017 to mark the centenary of Kaduna city.” Meanwhile, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) expressed shock over the death of Mr Coomassie who until his death, was the the forum chairman.
Saraki in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu in Abuja yesterday, said Coomassie’s contributions to the maintenance of law and order as well as fight against insecurity in the country cannot be quantified.
“We have lost an officer, gentleman and a patriot.
My heart goes out to his wife, children and family members at this moment of grief.
He shall be remembered for his forthrightness and sense of duty”, he said.
He prayed to God to grant the soul of the deceased a place among the righteous ones in Aljannah Firdaus and his loved ones the fortitude to bear the loss.