President Muhammadu Buhari says the death of one of his closest ally, Ismaila Isa Funtua, has created a huge gap. Funtua reportedly died at an Abuja hospital on Monday night, July 20 after he suffers a massive heart attack.
This was made known in a statement released by his media aide, Garba Shehu, President Buhari said the deceased stood by him during his political journey.
“President Muhammadu Buhari received with deep sadness on Monday evening information one passing of his longtime friend and associate, Malam Isma’ila Isa Funtua, who was Life Patron of International Press Institute and Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN).
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.” the statement read
Funtua was the life patron of the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria, and he will be buried today July 21 according to Islamic rites.
May Allah comfort his family and grant him eternal rest.