Former Katsina South Senator Bello Mandiya has died at the age of 62.

The Katsina State Government announced his death in a statement issued on Monday, prompting tributes from political leaders, former colleagues and associates.

Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda described Mandiya’s death as a “great loss” to the state and Nigeria.

Radda said the former federal lawmaker was a committed public servant whose contributions to the development of Katsina State and the country would be remembered.

The governor extended his condolences to Mandiya’s family, the people of Katsina South, his political associates and friends, as well as his colleagues in the Ninth Senate.

Mandiya served as Chief of Staff to former Katsina Governor Aminu Masari before he was elected to the Senate in 2019 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress.

His death has also drawn tributes from former colleagues and associates, who remembered him as a trusted confidant, peacemaker and dedicated lawmaker.

Former Senate President Ahmad Lawan described Mandiya as a “thoroughbred lawmaker” who brought diligence, intellect and a “deep sense of responsibility” to his duties as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Water Resources.

Waziri Adio, founder of Agora Policy and former Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, also expressed sadness over Mandiya’s death.

Adio said his friendship with the former senator dated back to 1988, reflecting the longstanding relationship between the two men. (Arise News)