Balat, a former Senator and Minister of Works, died in Abuja, yesterday, at about 1p.m.
A notable politician from the southern part of Kaduna, he contested the governorship election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, against the Vice President, Namadi Sambo and lost narrowly after a run-off primary.
He served as senator when Senator Ken Nnamani was Senate President.
Already, notable Nigerians including Senate President, David Mark, Governor Ramalan Yero of Kaduna State, across the country have been reacting to the death of the former senator, who was said to be a political bridge builder.
President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, literally broke down in tears, yesterday, when the news of the death of Senator Isaiah Balat filtered into town.
Mark lamented the death of the former Senator, describing him as an ‘’astute politician, a distinguished parliamentarian, respectable colleague and gentleman.’’
According to Mark, Balat, a political leader of Southern Kaduna, was one of the shining lights in the political scene and indeed demonstrated his love, patriotism and dedication to the ideals of nationhood.
“In all his dealings, he (Balat) was a shining example. He represented the best in the political evolution of Nigeria.
Atiku laments…
Former vice-president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar also said that Balat death has depleted the country of a vanishing breed of bridge-builders of a diligent, committed politician.
”Balat was in the same cabinet with me as Vice President. He was a Minister of State in the Works ministry. His greatest strength was his broadmindedness and tolerance that abhorred divisions along religious or ethnic lines.
“He identified with you irrespective of whether you were a Muslim or a Christian or of the majority or ethnic stock,” Atiku recalled.
Gov Yero sad, shocked
In his own condolence, Governor Yero expressed shock and sadness over the death of Senator Isaiah Balat.
In a statement by his Director General, Media and Publicity, Ahmed Maiyaki, Yero said that Balat’s death was a ‘’big loss’’ not only to his immediate family and Kaduna State, but the entire country.
“This unfortunate demise of the Senator Balat is coming at a time that our state and indeed the entire country need his experience and patriotic zeal the most.
“We have lost a rare gem, who dedicated his lifetime to the service of fatherland and humanity.
“Balat has exhibited the true essence of sacrifice as one of the leading lights of our present democratic dispensation. History will judge him fairly as one of those who gave their all in building a modern, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.”
Tambuwal…
Speaker of the House of representatives, Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has described as shocking, the news of the passing away of former Minister of Works, Senator Isiaiah Balat.
According to him, in Balat, Nigeria has lost a cool-headed, honest and refined gentleman whose words and deeds mirrored that of a man at peace with himself and his Creator.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Malam Imam Imam, Tambuwal said Balat’s honesty and sincerity of purpose will be missed by all those who know him.
While condoling the government and people of Kaduna State over the unfortunate incidence, Tambuwal prayed to Almighty God to give his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Condoling both President Goodluck Jonathan, Vice President Sambo as well as Balat’s immediate family,Yero urged them to take solace in the fact that the deceased left his footprints in the sands of time as a former Minister and federal lawmaker.
Vanguard
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