Buhari, Atiku Mourn Isa Funtua

President Muhammadu Buhari has mourned the passing of his friend and ally, Ismaila Isa Funtua.

Odunews.com reports that Isa Funtua, the founding Managing Director of Kaduna based Democrat Newspaper, died on Monday night.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, on Monday said the President recieved the news of the death of his political associate, Funtua, with “deep sadness.”

Shehu said this in a statement titled, ‘President Buhari mourns friend, political associate, Isma’ila Isa Funtua.’

Shehu statement read, “President Muhammadu Buhari received with deep sadness on Monday evening information on the passing of his long-time friend and associate, Malam Isma’ila Isa Funtua, who was Life Patron of International Press Institute and Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria.

“The President condoles with family members, government and people of Katsina State, and all associates of the former President of NPAN, especially the media industry, on the loss, describing him as ‘greatly admired and respected.’

“President Buhari believes the demise of the publisher and businessman has created a huge gap as Malam Funtua consistently stood by him in his political journey.

“The President prayed to Allah for the repose of Malam Funtua’s soul, and to grant the family strength and fortitude to bear the loss.”

Reacting to the death via his twitter handle, Former Nigerian Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, prayed that God forgives his sin.

He wrote, “Inna lillahi wa inna Ilaihi Rajiun! On behalf of my family, I convey my deepest condolences to the Funtua family over the loss of its patriarch, Ismaila lsa Funtua.

“May Allah forgive his sins and grant him Aljannah Firdaus.

“I pray for the needed comfort and strength for his family, friends and associates to bear the loss. Ameen.”