Niger State Governor, Sani Bello on Wednesday wept uncontrollably at the burial of his Director General, Protocol, Mamman Jiya Vatsa.
The funeral prayers took place at the family house of the Vatsas in Malali Quarters, Kaduna and was led by Mallam Umar Farouq, Niger Director General of Religious Affairs.
TheNewsGuru.com reports that Vatsa was the only surviving son of the late Maj-Gen. Mamman Vatsa. He died on Tuesday in Kaduna after a brief illness. He was 49 years old.
Governor Bello described the death of his “age-long and childhood friend” as a personal loss.
“His hard work, commitment, dedication, loyalty and kindness, stood unparalleled. I have lost a friend whose memories I will live with for the rest of my life.
“Haruna was not just my Director General Protocol, he was a brother, a trusted and trustworthy aide, a confidant who believed and supported the course we stand for”, he said.
Bello revealed that Haruna Vatsa was one those who supported him “in the struggle to restore good governance to Niger state.
“On the political battle space, Haruna was in the trenches of struggle to restore back the glory of Niger State. We shall miss him greatly.”
Also speaking, Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal who was in attendance, described the late Haruna Vatsa as “a humble, caring and gentleman” and prayed that Allah grants him aljana fidausi.
In attendance were Deputy Governor of Niger, Ahmed Mohammed Ketso, Secretary to Niger Governor, Ibrahim Isa Ladan, Head of Service, Yabagi Sule, Chief of Staff, Mikhail Al-Amin Bmitosahi, and leadership of the ruling All Progressive Congress, led by its Chairman, Engr. Jibrin Imam.
Others were Commissioners, Special Advisers, Director Generals, Local Government Chairmen, other elected and appointed officers the administration.
Also present were former Military Governor of Kano and Benue states, Major General Idris Garba, political leaders across the party divide, friends, family associates and other sympathisers.
The body of Haruna Vatsa was laid beside the graveside of his late mother, Hajiya Safiya Vatsa at the family house in Kaduna.
