Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of veteran journalist and former legislator Sidi Ali, hailing his contributions to the country through his roles in the media and politics.
Ali, a chieftain of Mr Tinubu’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) party, passed away last Thursday at the age of 83.
In a statement, the president extended his condolences to Ali’s family and associates, as well as the government and people of northern Kano state where the late journalist hailed from.
“President Bola Tinubu extends his condolences to the family and associates of Second Republic legislator and ace journalist, Sidi Ali,” the statement from his media adviser read.
Mr Tinubu paid tribute to Ali’s “role as a journalist and information manager” which he said “helped Nigeria at a critical time in the life of the nation”.
The veteran journalist was a prolific writer, publishing 19 books and numerous articles during his career spanning decades.
Some of his notable works included A Trip to Timbuktu (1965), a travelogue, Corruption in High Society, and a biography of former Defence Minister Muhammad Ribadu titled The Power of Power on Muhammad Ribadu, Former Defence Minister (1982).
Ali also served as a member of the House of Representatives during Nigeria’s Second Republic in the 1980s.
“The President prayed for Allah’s mercy on the soul of the departed while condoling with the government and people of Kano State over the loss,” the statement added.
