Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki and the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party have bemoaned the demise of former Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Alhaji Zakawanu Garuba.
Garuba, who before his death was the speaker between 2007 and 2009, died in Abuja in the early hours of Saturday after a brief illness.
He passed at the age of 54.
Obaseki, in a statement, said he was troubled at the passing of the Speaker.
According to him, “I received the news of the passing of Rt. Hon. Zakawanu Garuba with a heavy heart. He was an outstanding Nigerian and a good man. He worked for the good of the people and contributed his quota to the development of his immediate community and the state.
“As Executive Commissioner, Corporate Services & Supervising Executive Commissioner, Operations at the Securities and Exchange Commission Nigeria, late Garuba performed brilliantly, distinguishing himself as a true Edo son with his commitment to duty, innovativeness and sheer dexterity.
“As a politician and Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, he performed his tasks diligently, served the people meritoriously, and provided sterling leadership to the legislative arm of government.
“He excelled in his private practice as a constitutional lawyer, bringing panache to the noble profession. The former speaker was indeed an astute politician and his wise counsel will be greatly missed. We pray that God grants his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
