How NSITF probe panel chairman slumped, died in Abuja

Ibrahim Khaleel, the Chairman of the ongoing probe panel instituted by the Federal Government to investigate the top management of Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) over alleged embezzlement in the agency, on Wednesday reportedly slumped and died.

Khaleel, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), who doubled as the National Treasurer of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) was present at Labour House in Abuja the same day during the occasion of the 2020 World Decent Work Day organised by the congress.

A close associate of the deceased, who first confirmed the incident to our correspondent Thursday morning, described his death as “shocking”, noting that he was still wondering what could have been the cause of his death.

The associate, who did not want his name in print, explained that the deceased looked hale and hearty while returning to his hotel room after the occasion and went to the badminton court to play.

He explained, “The late Comrade was hungry, sent his driver to buy food for him, and after the very short game, he sat and waited for the food but on his return with the food, his driver was speaking to him but noticed that his response was not satisfactory. At that point, he collapsed and was immediately rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.”

Several calls to the National President of NLC, Ayuba Wabba and his Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja were not picked. A statement was yet to be issued as at the time this report was being filed.

Daily Trust reports that until his demise, Khaleel who was appointed by the Federal Government as the Chairman of the NSITF Probe Panel, headed the Audit Committee of the Board.

The Panel was given two weeks to do the job and submit its report, but Khaleel-led panel members sought further extension of the period in order to do a thorough job and ensure that nobody was unjustifiably punished.

The late unionist was a graduate of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria where he studied Accountancy. He also obtained an MBA from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi.

The NULGE National President also attended a Senior Executive Course of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, where he bagged Member of the National Institute (MNI).

He was, until his death, a staff of Kano State Ministry of Local Government. The deceased was buried in Wudil, local government area of Kano State on Thursday evening according Islamic rites.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with the deceased family, the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and entire organised labour over his death.

President Buhari, in a statement issued by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, paid tribute to the labour leader who was on the frontline of mobilising the nation’s workforce at the grassroots to greater productivity and efficiency, while also ensuring the protection of workers’ rights and welfare.

Buhari said Khaleel’s unique contributions to labour, governance and democracy issues in the country will be missed, particularly his many years of constant and strong advocacy for local government autonomy.

He prayed almighty God to grant repose to the dead and comfort to his beloved family and all who mourn.

Similarly, the Zamfara State Governor, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, expressed shock, saying he was with the deceased at the Government House, Gusau, along with the Zamfara NULGE officials on Tuesday.

The governor in a statement by the Director-General Media, Public Enlightenment and Communications, Government House, Yusuf Gusau, described Khaleel’s death as “a great lesson to leaders at all levels to fear Allah in discharging their responsibilities as death can occur at any time.”

Matawalle described Khaleel as a freedom fighter and a dogged activist who spent most of his lifetime in the struggle for the welfare of workers, noting that his contributions would remain indelible in the minds of many labour leaders, especially his simplicity, hard work, honesty and humility to all.