President Goodluck Jonathan, president-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, former vice president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Senate president David Mark have sent condolence messages on the death of former inspector general of police, Alhaji Muhammadu Dikko Yusuf, who died in Abuja on Wednesday.
Yusuf, the Katsina-born former inspector-general of police, died at 85 years.
Family sources said the late police boss died in his house in Abuja after a protracted illness last night.
He was buried on Thursday.
The late MD Yusuf served as Inspector General of Police from 1976 to 1979.
Dikko Yusuf was chairman of Nigeria LNG in 1994 when a consortium led by Halliburton was bidding for a contract to construct a LNG export facility in competition with the US corporation Bechtel.
Jonathan described late Yusuf as “respected leader”.
In a statement by his spokesman, Dr Reuben Abati, the president also commiserated with the late Yusuf’s family as well as the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF).“
“The president shares their grief as they mourn the eminent Nigerian who served his country dutifully throughout his successful career in the Nigeria Police, and later on, as a political leader and elder statesman”, it said.
According to the president, M. D. Yusuf will be remembered for his outstanding political courage and exemplary determination during Nigeria’s transition to democracy.
In his own condolence message, thee president-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, described the death of the late IGP as a great loss to Nigeria’s democratic struggle.
Buhari noted with deep regret that Yusuf died when his valuable advice was needed most by Nigerian leaders.
The Senate president has equally commiserated with the Kastina State government over the demise of M. D. Yusuf.
David Mark in a condolence message signed by his chief press secretary, Paul Mumeh, described the late Yusuf as an exemplary police officer who promoted professionalism and discipline during his stint as the helmsman in the force.
Former vice president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has also condoled with the government and people of Katsina State over the death of the former inspector general of police, Alhaji M. D. Yusuf.
