Bukola Saraki, a former Senate President and a former Reps Speaker, Dogara Yakubu have expressed shock over the death of Isa Funtua.
DAILY POST reported that close ally of President Muhammadu Buhari, Funtua died on Monday after suffering cardiac arrest.
Buhari’s spokesman, Bashir Ahmed confirmed the development on Twitter.
Reacting, Saraki on his official Twitter page described Funtua’s death as a personal loss to his family, adding that he was like a father to him.
His tweets read: “Inalilahi Wa Ina ilaehi rajihun. The death of Alhaji Ismaila Isa Funtua is a personal loss to me and my family. He was like a father and one of the associates of my late father who chose to take me under his wings.
“He was always ready to offer his advice and give a fresh perspective to issues. I will miss him and the country will miss a detribalised Nigerian and symbol of national unity that he was.
“My condolences go to his family, his associates, the people and government of Katsina State and the entire country. May Almighty Allah (SWT) forgive his sins and grant him a place in Aljannah Firdaus.”
Yakubu Dogara, the former speaker on the other hand described Funtua as a patriot with too many legacies.
His tweet read: “ Malam Ismaila Isa Funtua was a Distinguished elder statesman, media icon, construction magnate, industrialist and a patriot whose legacies are too numerous to list.
“My condolences to his family, friends, associates, the people and government of Katsina state. May his soul rest in peace.”