President Goodluck Jonathan has commiserated with the family of the late Mahammed Nur Alkali, a delegate to the National Conference, who died on Friday night in Maiduguri at the age of 68 years.
Alkali represented the Nigeria Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs at the Conference.
President Jonathan urged family, friends, associates and colleagues of the late academician to be consoled by the knowledge that he lived a fulfilled life of patriotic service to his community and country.
Jonathan said even though Alkali passed away before the conclusion of the work of the National Conference, the nation will always owe him a debt of gratitude for his worthy contributions to deliberations, as well as for his distinguished service on several other national assignments, including being vice-chancellor of the University of Maiduguri; director-general, National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies and member of the presidential committee on insecurity in the Northeast.
The President prayed that God would comfort all those grieved by his death and grant the soul of the deceased eternal rest.
Similarly, governor of Borno State, Kashim Shettima, has described late Alkali as a mentor per excellence and an eternal treasure.
Speaking through his special adviser on media, Isa Gusau, the governor said he was completely taken off guard by the news of his death, having known him at a personal level.
He said the late academician was a regular feature at many points when the state had to present highly respected academics for national assignments that demanded federal character representation, owing to his vast knowledge.
“His demise came at a time his extra-ordinary knowledge and depth of wisdom were much needed given the challenges of security facing Borno State, for which the late Professor contributed in many ways, trying to address through thoroughly researched and well-articulated positions at several fora and publications,” Shettima said.
Recalling some of Alkali’s good work, the governor said it was he who laid the ground works for the establishment of Borno State University which is currently engaging in infrastructural development.
Shettima also disclosed that the late Alkali was instrumental to his gaining admission into the university in 1985 for an undergraduate degree.
“As a Muslim I live with the belief that death can come calling at any point in time but this is one death that is really heavy for us as a government and people and for me personally. He was one of those that were really worried by our challenges. He was always undertaking research works at his own cost, making presentations and publications all geared towards finding solution to our problems,” the governor stated.