President Muhamadu Buhari, on Thursday, joined other dignitaries as they mourned the death at 84, of Mallam Adamu Ciroma, a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) between September 24, 1975 and June 28 1977.
A statement by Garba Shehu, the President’s spokesman expressed the Federal Government’s condolences to the Ciroma family, the government and people of Yobe State on the passing of the elder statesman
“The President believes that Ciroma as a political leader and Federal cabinet minister for Industries, Agriculture and Finance, at various points in his remarkable life, will be long remembered for his remarkable service & dedication to the country’s unity, progress and stability.”
He also affirmed that the deceased “will be honoured too for his contributions in promoting democracy in Nigeria and his legacies should be a constant reminder to politicians who wish to work for the good of their communities and our great country,” while praying for the repose of his soul.
Also reacting, Senate President Bukola Saraki described the to the demise of Mallam “Ciroma is a monumental loss to the country.”
Although painful, he expressed gladness that “late Ciroma lived a worthy and successful life. We shall miss him greatly.”
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu in Abuja, Saraki said Nigeria has lost through the death of Ciroma, one of its illustrious sons and highly respected elder statesman, with vast experience in many spheres of life.
“Although death is painful, but it gladdens my heart that late Ciroma lived a worthy and successful life,” Saraki said. “As a public servant, late Ciroma’s integrity was unparalleled, as a politician, he was unblemished and as a journalist, he was among the finest breed.”
He added: “Indeed there is no word or adjective that will be enough to describe late Ciroma, considering his invaluable contributions to the development of the country.
“We have lost a detribalized Nigerian, bridge builder and a strong pillar for nation’s unity. He will surely be remembered for his forthrightness and integrity. We shall miss him greatly.”
Taking to his personal twitter handle, Governor Hassan Dankwambo of Yobe State, expressed devastation at the new of the demise of Ciroma, described as one of the founding fathers of the Peoples Democratic Party.
Also reacting to the death, the CBN in a statement expressed “a deep sense of loss” at the passage of Ciroma, who was born on November 20 1934 in Potiskum, Yobe State. He was a graduate of University of Ibadan and served in different capacities in the Public Service.
“He was appointed to the Board of the Central Bank of Nigeria in 1970 where he served as a Director before his appointment as the Governor in 1975. He also served as Minister in the Ministries of Industry, Agriculture and Finance and on the Board of several companies.”
Describing him as a good man, an astute central banker and patriot, the statement recalled that until his demise, Mallam Ciroma was still of immense service to the Bank. He was a firm believer in the sanctity and independence of the CBN.”
The deceased, who was survived by his wife and children and has since been buried according to Islamic rites.
