President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan on Tuesday described the death of Mallam Isa Isma’ila Funtai as painful.
Lawan expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family of the late business mogul, community leader, social and political activist and nationalist.
Funtua, who is a longstanding ally of President Muhammadu Buhari died on Monday after suffering cardiac arrest.
In a statement by his spokesman, Ola Awoniyi, Lawan described the deceased as a man of many parts who brought to bear his great intelligence, energy and integrity on everything thing that he did.
He said: “The news of the death of Mallam Isa Funtua left me with profound sadness.
“He was a man who touched many lives and impacted the development of Nigeria with his foresight, industry, enterprise, boundless enthusiasm, magnetism, friendliness and accommodating spirit.
“Mallam Isa Funtua made friends across tribe, religion, generation and class in Nigeria, and touched many lives in public service as well as in his private life.”
Lawan said the Late Mallam Isa Funtua was a pioneer and trail blazer who established an authoritative national newspaper and a giant construction company through both of which he has left indelible footprints on the physical and sociology-political landscapes of Nigeria.
“Even in death, Mallam Isa Funtua’s presence will continue to be felt for a long time by Nigerians,” Lawan said.
The Senate President also commiserated with the Government and People of Katsina State over the loss.
Lawan also particularly condoled with President Muhammadu Buhari who has lost a close friend, trusted ally and in-law.
