Kalu condoles with Shinkafi family

The former Governor of Abia, Dr. Orji Kalu, has expressed shock over the demise of front-line politician and philanthropist, Alhaji Umaru Shinkafi. The late presidential candidate of the APP/AD Alliance in 1999 died in London on Wednesday. According to the former governor, the late Marafan Sokoto was a perfect gentleman and a patriotic statesman, who was committed to the cause of a just and fair society. In a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Kunle Oyewumi, Kalu said, “the demise of Alhaji Umaru Shinkafi is a huge loss to the nation considering his contributions to the social, economic and political development of Nigeria. “Having served in different capacities especially in the public sector, he died at a time his counsel on national issues is most needed. “Alhaji Shinkafi was a detribalized Nigerian and he built friendships and relationships beyond the boundaries of the North. “The demise of the Marafan Sokoto has created a big vacuum in the political circle. “The memories of the late police officer will linger forever in the minds of many in the society. “However, we take solace in the fact that he left behind good legacies.” Kalu, while admonishing the deceased’s family to be comforted in the purposeful life their patriarch lived, urged them to sustain the exemplary qualities of the late philanthropist. The former governor commiserated with the government and people of Zamfara State and the entire Shinkafi family. He prayed God to grant the late politician eternal rest and give the family the fortitude to bear the great loss.