Sources in the Senate said the lawmaker slumped on Saturday morning at his Gwarimpa, Abuja residence after which he was taken to a hospital within the estate, but he died before getting emergency treatment. Wakili, 58, was Chairman of Senate Committee on Poverty Alleviation.
Buhari mourns Senator Wakil, says his death a loss to democracy
President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday described the death of Senator Ali Wakil from Bauchi State as “an incalculable loss to Nigeria’s democracy.”
In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the President noted that the late federal lawmaker’s dedication to duty was remarkable and worthy of emulation.
He said Wakil’s death came as a great shock to him.
He added that his dedication to duty would remain one of the greatest virtues for which the deceased would be remembered.
“The passion for duty was one of the finest qualities of late Senator Wakil,” Buhari said.
He urged other democratically elected leaders to borrow a leaf from the deceased’s record of dedication.
The President, while praying to Allah to bless the soul of the departed senator, also extended his condolences to his family, his colleagues in the National Assembly, as well as the government and people of Bauchi State over this great loss to the country.
I lost a brother, confidant – Dogara
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara has described the death of Senator Malam Ali Wakili as devastating and heart breaking.
The Speaker said Wakili was a personal friend, true brother and a dependable ally.
Wakili who, until his death represented Bauchi South Senatorial District was reported to have slumped and died in his Gwarinpa, Abuja residence on Saturday morning.
Dogara in a statement said, “The death of Sen. Ali Wakili is a personal loss to me. I’m short of words to describe how devastated and heartbroken I am over the passing away of this true friend, brother and confidant, with whom I had excellent brotherly relationship and association.
“We have indeed lost a distinguished parliamentarian, easy going and courageous person who had worked tirelessly both in the Senate chamber and outside to defend the interest of his constituents, Bauchi State and the downtrodden members of the society in the country at large.
“Within his short but eventful sojourn in the National Assembly, Sen. Wakili had distinguished himself with his characteristic display of patriotism, forthrightness and logical skills during debates and other legislative duties”.
“We in Bauchi State and in particular, Bauchi South Senatorial District, have lost a worthy ambassador and a distinguished gentleman. But we’ll take solace in the fact that his humanitarian services and other accomplishments will continue to be a source of inspiration to us all.
“Our deep condolences go to his immediate family, constituents, the people of Bauchi State and the nation at large over this irreparable loss.”