Seriake Dickson mourns ex-Jigawa Rep member killed after kidnapping

Senator Seriake Dickson has expressed shock over the kidnapping and gruesome murder of former member of the House of Representatives from Jigawa State, Abba Anas Adamu, describing him as a political associate, friend and ally.

The former governor of Bayelsa State, who made the remark on his social media handle on Tuesday, said he was devastated and heartbroken by the tragic and painful manner in which the former lawmaker lost his life.

“The news of the passing of my friend left me devastated and heartbroken by the tragic and painful manner in which such a good man lost his life.

“Last night, I was deeply shocked and saddened to hear about the kidnapping and gruesome murder of my dear friend and ally, Hon. Abba Anas Adamu of Jigawa State.

“I was informed that Abba Anas was among those abducted in the worsening wave of insecurity, kidnappings and killings that continue to plague our country, particularly across Northern Nigeria and even parts of the South.

“The news left me devastated and heartbroken by the tragic and painful manner in which such a good man lost his life,” he said.

According to him, “Anas Adamu was not just a political associate; he was a friend and brother to me since our days together in the House of Representatives around 2007.

“During that time, I led a group of patriotic Nigerians in the House of Representatives under the platform of the Nigeria First Forum. For strategic reasons, I appointed Abba Anas to chair the team and, alongside other committed patriots, he worked tirelessly across ethnic and regional lines in the national interest,” he said.

Dickson recalled the political turbulence that followed President Umaru Yar’Adua’s illness and the succession crisis.

“Patriots like Hon. Abba Anas defied all odds, inducement, intimidation and blackmail. I arranged for another patriot, Hon. Dr Sani Abdu from Bauchi, then of the ANPP, to move the motion for President Goodluck Jonathan to be made Acting President. Hon. Abba Anas was the one who seconded the motion, while I contributed four times on that day.

“Hon. Dino Melaye’s shirt got torn on the floor of the House. Some others involved in that patriotic effort have since gone to be with their Maker, like Hon. Bethel Amadi and Hon. Independence Ogunewe, while others are still alive. Now, Abba Anas has joined them. May God bless their souls,” he said.

According to the senator, “Together, we fought to ensure the emergence of what later became known as the Doctrine of Necessity, which ultimately paved the way for President Goodluck Jonathan to ascend to the Presidency.

“At the time, I had the honour of nominating Abba Anas for a ministerial position, though unfortunately it did not materialise due to local opposition. Because of his principled stand and commitment to that national cause, he lost political support back home and could not return to the House. Yet, throughout the years, our bond only grew stronger,” he noted.

“When I became governor, Abba Anas remained by my side and, even afterwards, in my service in the Senate, he continued to stand with me until his death. We were truly like brothers,” he added.

Dickson disclosed that during the formation of the NDC, Abba Anas was among the original members of the team that conceptualised the movement.

He said the deceased was expected to play a leading role in the leadership of the party but, due to political realities and delays, eventually found himself in the ADC.

Dickson added that despite that, they remained close, worked together continuously and compared notes regularly.

“It was therefore a terrible shock yesterday evening when our mutual friend and colleague, Hon. (Dr.) Sani Abdu, called me in tears to ask if I had heard the news. I was stunned.

“It was only afterwards that I confirmed the heartbreaking development from numerous callers across the country who called to notify me, knowing our closeness.

“On behalf of my family, my constituents and our wide circle of friends and associates across the country, I extend our deepest condolences to his family, his wives, children, associates and all who were close to him.

“In the passing of Hon. Abba Anas Adamu, Nigeria has lost a patriot. We have lost a friend, a brother and a committed nationalist. Personally, I have lost a loyal ally, confidant and brother.

“What makes this loss even more painful is the cruel and tragic manner in which he died,” he said.

He prayed that God would grant his family, loved ones and friends the strength and fortitude to bear the painful loss, and grant his soul eternal rest.

Until his death, Anas Adamu was an aspirant for the governorship of Jigawa State under the African Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections.