By Joseph Edegbo
Kaduna (Nigeria) – The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara has expressed sadness over the demise of second republic Governor of old Kaduna State, Lawal Kaita who died at the age of 85.
Mr. Kaita was governor of old Kaduna state between October and December 1983, when he won election on the platform of the then National Party of Nigeria (NPN).
In a statement, issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Turaki Hassan, the Speaker described the late elder statesman as a man of outstanding character and a committed Democrat, who devoted his life to working for the development of democracy in Nigeria.
While noting the exploits and positive contributions of the late Kaita as a member of Constituent Assembly that midwifed Nigeria’s Constitution and Governor of old Kaduna State, Dogara said the deceased will continue to be remembered for his selfless service, patriotism and abiding faith in the unity and progress of the country.
“Alhaji Lawal Kaita was a very courageous man who left a legacy of service and built bridges of friendship and unity across the north and the country in general”.
“He will continue to be honoured and remembered by present and future generations for his dedication to the service of his people during his tenure as a Governor and even after”.
“Painful as his death is, we are however consoled with the fact that Alhaji Kaita left an indelible footprint and legacy of service to the society as well as commitment to the ideals of democracy and nationhood “.
While condoling with the bereaved family, the government and people of Katsina state, Speaker Dogara prayed God Almighty to grant the deceased eternal rest.
At the first attempt, Late Kaita lost to Balarabe Musa of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) when he contested for governorship in 1979.
Before then, he was a member of the Constituent Assembly of Nigeria (1977-1978) which fashioned out Nigeria’s 1979 constitution, and later appointed special assistant to former President Shehu Shagari.
He was a leading member of the late Shehu Yar’adua’s political movement, as well as a founding member of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).
