Mamman Kotangora Buried In Niger State

Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu wept yesterday as the body of former Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Mamman Kotangora was buried at his home town, Kotangora, at 5.10pm. The town stood still for the late general.

His remains were escorted by military officers and flown to Kotangora in a helicopter. The remains were interred at the palace of the Emir of Kotangora according to Muslim burial rites.

The two rakat prayers for the burial were led by the Chief Imam of Kotangora, Central Mosque, Sheikh Shehu Rimaye, with thousands of mourners in attendance.

FCT Minister Senator Bala Mohammed led the Federal Government delegation, which also included the Minister of State, Power, Hajiya Zainab Kuchi and the Subsidy Reinvestment Programme (SURE-P) Chairman, Mr. Christopher Kolade.

The National Assembly was represented by Senator Ibrahim Musa, Niger North, the senatorial district of the late general, as well as Senator Zaynab Kure, who is also representing Niger State.

The Commander, Nigerian Army Corps Artillery, Maj.-Gen. Amnon Kwaskebe, represented the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Ihejirika Azubuike, at the funeral.

President Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President David Mark, the Northern States’ Governors’ Forum (NSGF), Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Dakuku Peterside, were among eminent Nigerians who yesterday expressed shock over Kotangora’s death.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, the President said the nation will always honour the memory of Kotangora for his patriotism and service to the nation in various capacities.

The statement reads: “On behalf of himself, the Federal Government and all Nigerians, President Jonathan extends sincere condolences to the late General’s family, the Kotangora Emirate Council, Governor Babangida Aliyu and all the people of Niger State.

“The President joins them in mourning the illustrious and indefatigable former Minister of Works and the FCT who, even in retirement, continued to serve his fatherland with zeal, vigour and enthusiasm whenever he was called upon to do so…”

Dr Jonathan prayed God Almighty to grant Kotangora’s soul eternal rest.

Mark described the late Kotangora as a fine military officer and a gentleman.

He said: “I received with shock and deep sorrow the news of the death of General Kotangora. I feel so sad about this. I never knew he was even sick. He was a brilliant officer and a distinguished administrator.

“I recall the revolution he brought to bear in the construction of road networks across Nigeria as the then Minister of Works and Housing.

“He was an honest person and a disciplinarian who never compromised on standards. He was a goal-getter.”

In a statement in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, the Senate President noted that the late Kotangora was a true nationalist and a patriot who stood to be counted when it mattered.

The NSGF expressed shock and sadness over the death of a former minister.

A statement in Minna by Malam Danladi Ndayebo, the Chief Press Secretary to the forum’s Chairman and Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu, described the late general as a patriot who died in the service of his fatherland.

“He was an uncommon statesman, a dependable ally, a devout Muslim, a great military officer, a highly disciplined gentleman and a respected mentor of his subordinate officers,” the statement added.