A former president of the Senate, Anyim Pius Anyim, has described the late former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Umar Na’Abba, as the lion of the 4th National Assembly, a patriot and his friend.
Anyim, in a tribute, said Ghali’s death was a national tragedy and a setback to our democratic progress.
He recalled that it was difficult for the two of them to lead the National Assembly during the period when democracy was restored following a 16-year absence of parliamentary institutions in Nigeria, adding that “We soon concluded that to accomplish the task at hand, we would need to collaborate closely.”
He said he would forever be grateful to Ghali for supporting him during his difficult Senate tenure, adding that “I respect Ghali’s courage and convictions, and I acknowledge with due sense of humility his sense of brotherhood and camaraderie. His rare insight and intellect are enviable and admirable.”
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He also recalled that Hon. Ghali worked with him to develop the brief for the scope and design of the new wings of the National Assembly Complex for Julius Berger Nig. Plc, saying “it was nights of no sleep for several months.”
He recommended that the House of Representatives Wing of the National Assembly Complex be named as Hon. Ghali Umar Na’Abba’s Wing.
“Let me use this opportunity to convey my deepest condolences to the past and present leaderships of the National Assembly, Ghali’s immediate family and the nation at large. May the soul of my departed brother rest in perfect peace,” he prayed.
