President Bola Tinubu and Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni have expressed grief over the passing of Alhaji Adamu Fika, elder statesman and one-time head of the civil service of the federation, who died on Tuesday at the age of 90.
Also, the governors of the 19 northern states and the Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin have mourned Fika.
They expressed sadness over the demise of the distinguished elder statesman.
Tinubu, while eulogising the Wazirin Fika, recalled the salient roles he played in nurturing the enduring institution responsible for the articulation and implementation of public policies at a trying time for the Federal Civil Service.
According to a statement by presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, the president said the late Fika’s contributions both as head of service and chairman of different civil service reform panels were indelible in the annals of Nigeria’s history.
“Alhaji Adamu Fika’s life of service to Nigeria saw him hold various important positions, before his elevation to the Office of Head of the Civil Service of the Federation; a post he held until his retirement,” the President said.
Condoling with the government and people of Yobe State, t Tinubu said Fika left behind a legacy of accomplishments, integrity, passion for service, and commitment worthy of emulation by public servants and other compatriots.
“May Allah forgive his sins and grant him Aljannah Firdaus,” the president prayed.
In a statement he issued yesterday, the chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, described Fika as an exemplary leader and towering figure who left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s civil service and educational institutions, and whose legacy transcends his lifetime.
“Dr. Fika’s commitment to integrity, honesty, and a corruption-free civil service was legendary. He was resolute in his pursuit of a merit-based and transparent public service, firmly believing that those values were the cornerstones of a strong and prosperous nation”, the statement released by his director-general, Press Affairs, Ismaila Uba Misilli, quoted the NSGF chairman as saying.
The governors further stressed that the elder statesman’s vision for strong national institutions will remain a source of inspiration for generations to come.
The forum’ chairman conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of the deceased, the Fika Emirate and the government and people of Yobe State, praying Almighty Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the deceased and reward his good deeds with Aljannat Firdaus.
In his tribute, Yobe state Governor Buni said he received with sadness, the news of the passing away of the illustrious son of the state.
Buni described the death of the Wazirin Fika as a “great national loss, a loss with wide vacuum to his family, the Fika Emirate and Yobe State.
He said, “We have lost a great leader, a wise counsellor, a pride of our state and a gentleman with passion for equity and social justice.
“The death of Alhaji Adamu Fika has closed a door of consultation for our government and created a blockage to borrow from the wealth of experiences of an accomplished technocrat and seasoned administrator,” Governor Buni said.
“I wish to, on behalf of myself, the government and people of Yobe State express our heartfelt condolences to his family and Fika Emirate. I pray to almighty Allah (SWT) to forgive his shortcomings and grant his soul eternal rest in Aljannatur Firdaus,” he said.
In his message signed by his special adviser on media and publicity, Ismail Mudashir, the deputy Senate president extended his condolences to the deceased family, the Yobe State government and and the entire country over the monumental loss.
He said, ‘’Mallam was an astute citizen whose contributions to the overall development and unity of our country will remain in our memories for long. He was a respected elder statesman and skilled administrator.
‘’He served meritoriously in all the positions he occupied including as head of civil service of the federation, federal permanent secretary, pro chancellor, chairman, Governing Council, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and the chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), among many other positions he held,” he said.
The elder statesman, who had been battling with health-related problems for some time, died Tuesday midflight while returning from a London hospital to Kaduna.
Funeral prayers were held yesterday at Sultan Bello Mosque, Kaduna before his interment.
Fika was born in Fika in 1933 and began his educational journey at the Kaduna Government College and the Nigerian College of Arts, Science, and Technology, now Ahmadu Bello University.
Dr Fika started his career as a Mathematics and Physics teacher at Barewa College in Zaria, where he influenced the lives of many students, including General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma and the late Emir of Lafia, Isa Mustapha Agwai.
He received numerous honours and awards for his exceptional service, including the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) by in 1992.
