On Tuesday, the President of the Eighth Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, described the death of former Kwara South federal lawmaker, Senator Rafiu Ibrahim, as a personal loss to him.
Saraki arrived in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital, on a condolence visit to the family of the late senator, just as he eulogised him as an exemplary leader, a loyal political associate, a worthy friend, and one of the finest legislators Kwara ever had.
A statement by his media aides said that the first port of call of Saraki, minutes after landing at Tunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin, was the Ilorin Muslim Cemetery, where the late former Kwara South Senator was buried.
At the burial ground, a former PDP national chairman, Alhaji Kawu Baraje, led the prayer for the deceased and the generality of the Muslim souls at the ground. He equally prayed to God to uphold Saraki and the political family.
Saraki, who was accompanied by other dignitaries thereafter, moved straight to the Ilorin residence of his political associate, Senator Rafiu, to commiserate with the family over his death.
A mournful Saraki, who was received by the wives, children, and siblings of the deceased, expressed sadness over the loss but admonished the family to be strong and take it as an act of Allah.
The former Senate President was moved to tears at the deceased’s residence as he recalled some memorable moments, a testament to the depth of his friendship with the late Ojoku-born financial expert.
He described his death as a personal loss, just as he eulogised him as an exemplary leader, a loyal political associate, a worthy friend, and one of the finest legislators Kwara ever had.
“He was always loyal, committed, and quietly tenacious in achieving his objectives and goals. It’s a personal loss for me, just as it is for many others.
“Always just a phone call away and always ready to act for the greater good, Rafiu endeared himself to many, both within and outside Kwara State. He was known for always lending a hand, supporting initiatives, and empowering the people.
“It’s a huge loss to Kwara, but we cannot question God, the ultimate. His death is disheartening, but we take consolation in the fact that he lived a good life.
“Let’s take heart and accept Allah’s will, with the assurance that he is resting in a better place, Aljannah Firdaus,” he said.
Saraki, flanked by other dignitaries, also penned the condolence register, where he wrote, “A great loss to me and all our family and several of my friends. Rafiu, you made your mark and left a great legacy. May Almighty Allah grant you Aljanat Firdaus.
“You were a special person, very kind, loyal, compassionate, and very caring. To the family, may Allah give you all the strength to bear this loss, Amin,” Saraki wrote.
Some of the dignitaries in the entourage were Senator Isa Misau, Alhaji Kawu Baraje, Senator Is’haq Salman, Professor Ali Ahmad, PDP State Chairman, Hon. Babatunde Muhammed, and a host of other dignitaries.
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