Former Nigerian Senator Dies at 62

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

The Katsina State Government announced his death on Monday, describing it as a major loss to the state and Nigeria.

Governor Dikko Radda expressed sadness over the death and described Mandiya as a dedicated public servant who contributed to the development of Katsina State and the country.

Radda extended his condolences to Mandiya’s family, the people of Katsina South, his political associates and friends, as well as his former colleagues in the ninth Senate.

Mandiya previously served as Chief of Staff to former Katsina State Governor Aminu Masari before being elected to the Senate in 2019 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He represented Katsina South in the ninth National Assembly, where he also chaired the Senate Committee on Water Resources.

Following news of his death, tributes have been coming from former colleagues, friends and political associates, who remembered him as a dependable politician, peacemaker and committed lawmaker.

Former Senate President Ahmad Lawan described Mandiya as an accomplished lawmaker who approached his responsibilities with diligence, knowledge and a strong sense of duty. Lawan also recalled his work as chairman of the Senate Committee on Water Resources.

Waziri Adio, founder of Agora Policy and former Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), also mourned the former senator. Adio said their friendship began in 1988 and expressed deep sadness over his death, describing it as a painful loss.