ZURU/Nigeria: A high-powered delegation of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Nigeria, led by its Chairman and Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, has paid its last respects to the late Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Usman Mohammed Ankwai.
The delegation arrived in Zuru, Kebbi State, to join family members, government officials and sympathisers in honouring the late lawmaker, whose death has drawn tributes from across the country.
Rt. Hon. Ankwai died last Monday in Cairo, Egypt, after a brief illness. His remains were flown into Abuja and subsequently conveyed to his hometown, Zuru, for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
The Deputy Governor of Kebbi State, Abubakar Umar Argungu, led the state government delegation that received the body upon arrival, ahead of its final journey for interment.
At the airstrip, Rt. Hon. Guwor and members of the Conference of Speakers participated in the solemn reception ceremony, after which the remains were moved in a motorcade to the late Speaker’s residence in Zuru.
The Conference Chairman was accompanied by the Speaker of the Yobe State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chiroma Buba Mashio; Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Tukur Bala; former Speaker and member of the Benue State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dajoh Aondona; former Speaker and member of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dewan Gabriel; as well as the Director-General of the Conference, Mr. Busari Sarafadeen.
At the residence of the deceased, Guwor, on behalf of the Conference of Speakers, conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, praying for strength and fortitude to bear the loss.
The delegation also paid a condolence visit to the Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, where they commiserated with the government and people of the state over the passing of the Assembly Speaker.
Describing the death as a tragic loss to the legislative community, Guwor prayed for the peaceful repose of the late Ankwai’s soul.
Responding, Governor Idris expressed appreciation to the delegation for their presence and support, noting that their visit reflected unity, solidarity and a shared sense of brotherhood among legislative leaders across the country.
