I received with a heavy heart and total submission to the will of the Almighty Allah, the news of the passing of my dear friend and brother, Distinguished Senator Bello Mandiya.
Senator Mandiya was a trusted confidant. Our bond was forged long before we became members of the 9th senate.
In the 9th Senate, he distinguished himself as a thorough-bred lawmaker. As the Chairman of the Committee on Water Resources, he brought diligence, intellect, and a deep sense of responsibility to the oversight of a sector that is vital to the lives of millions of Nigerians. He served the people of Katsina South Senatorial District and indeed the entire nation with an unprecedented commitment to good governance.
Senator Mandiya was a peacemaker, a man of his words, and a pillar of support to me personally and to the leadership of the Senate at the time, and indeed a great friend to all our colleagues. His calm demeanor, and his genuine friendship were assets I relied upon heavily. His demise leaves a void that will be incredibly difficult to fill.
My heart goes out to his immediate family, the government and people of Katsina State. We have lost a distinguished lawmaker.
I pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) forgives his shortcomings, accepts his good deeds, and grants him a place in Aljannatul Firdaus. May He also grant his family and all of us the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, PhD, GCON
President of the 9th Senate
Federal Republic of Nigeria