Former Katsina South Senator Bello Mandiya dies at 62

KATSINA — Former Senator representing Katsina South Senatorial District, Bello Mandiya, has died at the age of 62.

The Katsina State Government announced his death in a statement on Monday, describing his demise as a great loss to the state and Nigeria.

Governor Dikko Radda expressed shock over the death, describing Mandiya as a committed public servant whose contributions to the development of Katsina State and the country would be remembered.

Radda condoled with the deceased’s family, the people of Katsina South, his political associates and friends, as well as his colleagues in the ninth Senate.

Mandiya, who served as Chief of Staff to former Katsina State Governor Aminu Masari, was elected to the Senate in 2019 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Tributes have continued to pour in from former colleagues and associates, who described him as a trusted confidant, peacemaker and dedicated lawmaker.

Former Senate President Ahmad Lawan described Mandiya as a “thoroughbred lawmaker” who brought diligence, intellect and a deep sense of responsibility to his duties.

Lawan particularly recalled Mandiya’s tenure as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Water Resources.

Also mourning the former senator, founder of Agora Policy and former Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI, Waziri Adio, said his friendship with Mandiya dated back to 1988.

Adio expressed sadness over the former lawmaker’s death, recalling their longstanding relationship and describing his demise as a painful loss.