Chairman of senate poverty alleviation committee Senator Ali Wakili passes away after collapsing

SENATOR Ali Wakili representing Bauchi South Senatorial District and the chairman of the Senate committee on Poverty Alleviation has passed away at the age of 58 after collapsing at his Abuja home.

Early this morning, Senator Wakili, 58, slumped at his Gwarimpa, Abuja residence after which he was taken to a hospital within the estate but he died before getting emergency treatment. A member of the ruling All Progressives Congress, he was highly respected by his colleagues and already, the senate president Bukola Saraki, has paid tribute to him.

In a Twitter message, Senator Saraki expressed sadness upon hearing the news about the death of Senator Wakili. Senator Saraki said that he was now on his way to the Wakili family house of to commiserate with them on the passing of the senator.

Senator Saraki said: "Mallam Ali Wakili is one lawmaker you can never be in doubt where he stands on a particular issue. He spoke his mind fearlessly and his contributions at plenary were always very incisive and rich.

"I find it difficult to acknowledge that he will not resume plenary with us next Tuesday. My heart goes out to his family, the eighth senate and the government and people of Bauchi State over the loss of this conscientious and patriotic Nigerian who shall be sorely missed.”