Seriki: I lost a patriot, partner, friend – Tinubu

The presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the death of Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain, Senator Ademola Seriki, as a national loss of a patriot.

He also said that the demise of the envoy was a personal loss to him and the progressive community.

Amb. Seriki passed on in the early hours of Thursday.

A statement by Tinubu’s Media aide Tunde Rahman in Abuja on Thursday said he (Tinubu) had lost a friend, associate and a Nigerian patriot who served the country in various capacities.

The statement reads: “I’m deeply saddened and disturbed by the passing in the early hours of Thursday of Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain, H.E. Ademola Rasaq Seriki.

“A Nigerian patriot and prominent Lagosian, Ambassador Seriki was my friend, brother and close associate. He served Lagos and Nigeria in various capacities, the icing on the cake being his appointments as Minister of the Federal Republic and much later as Ambassador to Spain till his death. Indeed, Ambassador Seriki died in active service.

“He made invaluable contributions to Lagos in all spheres – economic, political, social, traditional, and religious. Popularly called Otun-Are, his traditional title in Lagos, Seriki was visible on the social scene and within the Islamic community where he was respected as a devout and knowledgeable Muslim, as he was influential in politics.

“In politics, he played important parts in the struggle for democracy and within our progressive front for which he will always be remembered. Seriki would have been on the hustings with us, but for his ambassadorial work.

“We are all deeply touched by this unexpected passing. I must, however, offer my deepest sympathy and condolences to his family, particularly his wives and children.

“I commiserate with President Muhammadu Buhari who graciously appointed him as an ambassador as a mark of honour to us in Lagos.

“I mourn with the Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu who is from his immediate constituency. While commiserating with his friends and associates, I also sympathise with the people of Lagos State for we have lost an eminent son of the state. May Almighty Allah grant repose to his soul and protect all that he left behind. Amin.”