Lalong, Useni Mourn As Ex-Deputy Senate President Mantu Dies At 74

Tributes have started pouring in for former Deputy Senate President Ibrahim Mantu, who died at 74.

A family source said the late Plateau Central Senator died at a private hospital in Abuja after nine days of sickness and isolation.

He informed Mantu died around 2am on Tuesday.

“He fell ill about nine days ago and was receiving treatment at home but he was rushed to the hospital when there was no sign of improvement,” the source said.

The source added the funeral prayer would hold today in Abuja.

Mantu, in 2001, was elected Deputy Senate President on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), a position he held till 2007 when he did not return to the Senate.

He hailed from Gindiri District in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau and worked in various establishments before joining politics.

Plateau Governor Simon Lalong described his death as a great loss to the State.

He said: “Late Senator Nasiru Mantu was a grassroots politician whose life was all about the interest of the people as he did everything within his power to serve them through empowerment and quality representation.

“He earned his place in Nigerian politics by active involvements and also had a great connection with the youth whom he mentored not only in politics but in other fields, especially service to humanity”.

Lalong said the State will miss the voice of peace and unity as well as an advocate of social cohesion and tolerance, which the late Deputy Senate represented particularly during the trying moments of its history.

Lalong, in a statement by his spokesman, Dr. Makut Simon Macham, condoled with widow of the deceased, his children, people of Pyem Chiefdom and the entire State over the death of the late political leader.

Chairman, Board of Trustee (BoT) North Central People’s Forum LT. Gen. Jeremiah Useni expressed shock and sadness over Mantu’s exit.

Useni, in a condolence message by his media aide, Hon. YilJap Abraham, said: “It is, and will always be hard to look at Nigeria’s political landscape without the ever dignifying presence of Distinguished Senator Ibrahim Mantu.

“He carried along a smile wherever he went; he communicated relevance whenever called upon and spoke peace into potentially divisive and hurtful situations.

“Senator Mantu served his community, Plateau, Nigeria and indeed humanity with a style that was uniquely vigorous, patriotic and productive.

“He gave his ears and heart when critical moments in our nation demanded his attention and counsel.

“He was a true ally to anyone advancing the course of truth and unity.

“May God Almighty comfort his family and strengthen all who had come to know and experience him in many fruitful ways.”