The dearth on Wednesday of Second Republic Senate Leader and strongman of Kwara State politics, Dr Olusola Saraki, has continued to cause disquiet across the country as Nigerians from all walks of life pay their last respect to a great political leader who combined patriotism with philanthropy.

Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi commiserated with the Saraki’s family and the people of Kwara State on the death of their father and political leader.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr David Iyofor, Governor Amaechi said the death of Saraki was a huge loss to the nation.

Amaechi described the late Saraki as a political giant with great values whose commitment to nation building and the development of Kwara State was great.

He said, “the late Saraki was an astute politician and great leader. He contributed to the political development of Nigeria. On behalf of my family, the government and people of Rivers State, I condole with my friend, Dr Bukola Saraki, the Saraki family and Kwara State indigenes as they go through this sad time. “We pray for the repose of his soul and urge the Saraki family to take heart and stay strong in unity as they mourn the passing away of this great man.”

Also, wife of the president, Dame Patience Jonathan, described the death of Sen. Olusola Saraki as a great loss to the political class. According to a statement signed by Mr Ayo Osinlu, the Special Assistant (Media) to the First Lady.

“Dr Olusola Saraki’s death is a loss not only to the people of Ikwerre, which he faithfully served for decades, but the entire nation, especially the political class. His death came as a rude shock and becomes more painful with reference to his invaluable wisdom which is obviously required in the urgent efforts to re-engineer the development process of our great country. “It is also worthy to note the dedication, courage and deep focus of Dr Olusola Saraki, especially his personal accomplishments as a professional, businessman, community leader and politician,” the statement added.

The First Lady also recalled Saraki’s “lofty place in the political evolution of our dear country, especially in the Second Republic during which he shone brilliantly as Leader of the Senate”.

She commiserated with Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara, Senator Bukola Saraki and his siblings, and prayed God to give the entire family the strength to bear the loss.

The Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), said the death of Dr Olusola Saraki is like the gradual extinction of the “last of the Mohicans”.

In a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Olisa Metuh, “Nigeria has lost a political guru and a titan who compared in every respect with the generation of the independent Nigerian leaders.”

He described the deceased as a fine medical doctor, philanthropist, humanist and an astute politician.

Metuh called Saraki “a game changer and a man who changed the destiny of his people like the great Zik of Africa, Sir Ahmadu Bello and Chief Obafemi Awolowo.”

He said that the PDP was saddened by the death of Saraki, describing the development as a huge loss to the nation.

Anambra State Governor, Mr Peter Obi, described the late Dr Olusola Saraki as a bridge builder and a detribalised Nigerian, who contributed immensely to the development of the country.

“I have no doubt that many Nigerians irrespective of class, creed and community also feel a sense of loss,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Kwara House of Assembly has adjourned sitting for eight days in honour of late Dr Olusola Saraki.

The Speaker of the House, Hon Rasaq Atunwa, announced the adjournment at the plenary session, Wednesday, after announcing the demise of Saraki.

Atunwa, who ordered the suspension of all matters in the order paper for Wednesday, described the death of Saraki as “a rude shock”.