Tributes pour for Ciroma in final farewell

Malam Adamu Ciroma, the former finance minister and governor Central Bank of Nigeria, took the final bow today, amidst an outpouring of tributes by politicians and friends.

Ciroma, aged 83 died today at Nizamiyye  Hospital Abuja. He had been missing from the political circuit for months before his death.  He was survived by  Hajiya Inna Maryam Ciroma and three Children

According to Islamic tradition, his funeral held today, with Senate President, Bukola Saraki, among the dignitaries who attended the prayers.

President Muhammadu Buhari  led the condolences for the family of the elder statesman.

The President in a  message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Thursday, condoled with the Ciroma family, the government and people of Yobe.

The President believed that Ciroma as a political leader and federal cabinet minister for Industries, Agriculture and Finance, at various points in his remarkable life, would be long remembered for his remarkable service and dedication to the country’s unity, progress and stability.

President Buhari also affirmed that the late former CBN Governor would be honoured too for his contributions to promoting democracy in Nigeria.

According to him, Ciroma’s legacies should be a constant reminder to politicians who wish to work for the good of their communities and the nation.

President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki and  Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara,  expressed sadness  over Ciroma’s death.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja on Thursday, Saraki said with the death of Ciroma, Nigeria had lost one of its illustrious sons and highly respected elder statesmen.

“Although death is painful, but it gladdens my heart that late Ciroma lived a worthy and successful life.

“As a public servant, late Ciroma’s integrity was unparalleled; as a politician, he was unblemished and as a journalist, he was among the finest breed.

“Indeed there is no word or adjective that will be enough to describe late Ciroma, considering his invaluable contributions to the development of the country.

“We have lost a detribalised Nigerian, bridge-builder and a strong pillar for nation’s unity. He will surely be remembered for his forthrightness and integrity. We shall miss him greatly,” he said.

Dogara said late Ciroma  was one of the nation’s “shining stars and frontline statesmen’’ who demonstrated passion for the unity, progress and development of Nigeria.

He said  the late statesman was an “icon of transparency and an epitome of integrity who lived an incorruptible life’’.

“Indeed we lost a great man, a patriot, leader par excellence and a shining star.

“Malam Adamu Ciroma was one of the few surviving close associates of the late Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello.

The national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Tinubu also described the death of Ciroma as a great loss to Nigeria.

In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Mr Tunde Rahman in Lagos, Tinubu said the country had lost an illustrious leader who played politics with a commitment to serve the people and change society.

He said that the late Ciroma was a consummate politician and an accomplished public servant.

”Malam Adamu Ciroma was one of the illustrious leaders this country has produced. He was a politician of note.

” You cannot but recall his days in the Second Republic National Party of Nigeria (NPN) and in the PDP where he was one of the party’s founding fathers.

”He also made name as an experienced technocrat and skilful public servant particularly as Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor and in later years as Minister of Finance.

”He was a fine man who played politics with a commitment to serve the people and change society.

”This did not come as a surprise given his background honed by sound education at the popular Barewa College and University of Ibadan and his nationalistic worldview.

”My condolences go to the Ciroma family and the people of government of Yobe State. May his soul rest in peace, ” Tinubu said

The Ex-minister was a title holder of Dallatun Fika, Galadima of Fika and currently Madaki of Fika respectively.

He was born on November 20, 1934 from the Royal family of Ciroma, in Potiskum Town, Yobe State was a founding member of People Democratic Party (PDP).

He was educated at Barewa College and University of Ibadan.

He served at various times as minister for finance and agriculture.