Dare Babalola
The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Henry Seriake Dickson, has expressed shock and grief over the abduction and killing of former lawmaker, Abba Anas Adamu, describing his death as a painful national loss.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Dickson said he was devastated after learning that Adamu was kidnapped while travelling with colleagues and later murdered despite the payment of ransom by his captors.
“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,” Dickson said.
“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. I was told that even after the ransom demanded was paid, he was still brutally killed. The news left me heartbroken.”
Dickson said the late politician was more than a political associate, describing him as a brother and loyal ally whose relationship with him dated back to their days together in the House of Representatives in 2007.
According to him, Adamu played a notable role during the political crisis that followed the illness of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, when lawmakers sought a constitutional path to transfer executive powers to then Vice President Goodluck Jonathan.
“During that difficult period, I led patriotic lawmakers under the Nigeria First Forum. For strategic reasons, I appointed Abba Anas to chair the team,” Dickson stated.
“He stood firm against inducement, intimidation and blackmail. When Hon. Dr. Sani Abdu moved the motion for President Jonathan to become Acting President, Abba Anas was the one who seconded it.”
Dickson said the efforts of lawmakers at the time culminated in what became known as the Doctrine of Necessity, which cleared the way for Jonathan’s emergence as President.
He added that Adamu later suffered political setbacks in his home state because of his principled stand, but remained committed to national service and loyal to longstanding friendships.
“When I became Governor, Abba Anas remained by my side, and afterwards during my service in the Senate, he continued to stand with me until his death. We were truly like brothers,” he said.
The senator also disclosed that Adamu was among the early figures involved in conceptualising the National Democratic Coalition movement, though he later aligned with the African Democratic Congress due to political developments.
Dickson extended condolences to the deceased’s family, friends and associates, saying Nigeria had lost a committed patriot.
“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,” he said.
“What makes this loss even more painful is the cruel and tragic manner in which he died. I pray that Almighty God grants his family and all of us the strength to bear this painful loss, and grant his soul eternal rest.”
