President Muhammadu Buhari and the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, have described the death of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mallam Gidado Idris, as a big loss to the nation.
Buhari and Saraki expressed their sadness over Idris’ death in two separate statements.
In the statement by his media aide, Mr. Femi Adesina, President Buhari said “Being a highly experienced and quintessential technocrat who traversed the different stages of the political evolution of the country, his wise counsel will surely be missed.”
President Buhari said the late Mallam Idris, in addition to rising to the pinnacle of his public career as SGF, also served several civilian and military administrations meritoriously as federal permanent secretary, noting that he left inspiring imprints.
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He enjoined current and upcoming civil and public servants to emulate the cherished values of hard work, discipline, professionalism and integrity which the late distinguished nationalist embodied.
President Buhari also commiserated with the family and associates of Mallam Idris, and prayed that God would comfort them.
In the condolence message issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki described Idris as a bridge builder.
“Nigeria has lost a highly principled bridge builder who cultivated a high degree of friendship from the lowest to the highest across the country.
“His life and service embodied the best and the most challenging chapters of our nation’s historical development, where he served with total dedication and distinction.
“He will be sorely missed as a humble, yet passionate patriot, particularly at a time when his breed are thin on the ground,” Saraki said.
While commiserating with the immediate family, Zaria Emirate Council, people and government of Kaduna State, Saraki prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased and asked Almighty Allah (SWA) to grant him Ajannah Firdaus.
Idris died on Friday at the age of 82.
He hailed from Zaria in Kaduna State and was appointed SGF in 1993.
He retired in 1999 after a civil service career that started before Nigeria’s independence.
