Nigerian Statesman and Former Minister, Maitama Sule dies at 88

Yusuf Maitama Sule, who lost his life in a hospital in Cairo, was a foremost Nigerian statesman with accomplishments few can boast of.

For instance, in 1976, he made the Federal Commissioner for Public Complaints, a position that established him as the nation’s pioneer ombudsman.

Three years later, in early 1979, he was a presidential candidate of the National Party of Nigeria. But he lost to Shehu Shagari. But luck would not elude him much longer as, later that year he was chosen to represent Nigeria at the United Nations, this happened after the coming of civilian rule in September 1979. There he served chairman of the United Nations Special Committee against Apartheid.

In 1983, after, the re-election of President Shagari, Maitama Sule was made the Minister for National Guidance. A position was created to help in the fight against corruption.

He will be remembered as an acclaimed orator, diplomat and politician.

To celebrate his life, tomorrow, Tuesday has been declared as a Public Holiday, in Kano. This is according to the Commissioner for Information in the state, Mohammed Garba.

His burial is scheduled to hold at the Emir’s palace by 4 pm.