Former Nigerian Governor Dies, Benue's Alia, Katsina's Radda React: "Irreparable Loss"

• The Benue state government has announced the death of a former military governor of Katsina state, Rtd Col. Joseph Akaagerger
• This was detailed in a statement signed by Tersoo Kula, the chief press secretary (CPS) to the Benue governor, issued on Tuesday, May 20
• Kula stated that the former military governor died on Thursday, May 15, at the age of 69 years, with many in Nigeria mourning his passing

Makurdi, Benue state - Joseph Akaagerger, a former military governor and ex-senator, has died at 69, as reported by The Cable.

This was confirmed by Benjamin Omale, chairman of the caretaker committee of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue state.

Vanguard also noted the sad update.

Who is Joseph Iorshagher Akaagerger?

Joseph Iorshagher Akaagerger is a former Nigerian senator and military administrator of Katsina state.

Born on May 5, 1956, in Konshisha, Benue state, Akaagerger had a distinguished military and political career. He served as the military administrator of Katsina state from August 1998 to May 1999 during General Abdulsalami Abubakar's transitional regime.

Following Nigeria's return to democracy, he was elected as senator representing Benue North East under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2007. His tenure was marked by initiatives in healthcare and advocacy on environmental issues, notably raising concerns about the Lake Nyos dam in Cameroon.

Akaagerger's political journey included affiliations with multiple parties, including the United Nigeria Peoples Party (UNPP), Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and People's Redemption Party (PRP). He held the traditional title of Ambe u Konshisha (the Konshisha Crocodile) and was known for his contributions to Nigeria's public service and political discourse.

Akaagerger represented Benue’s north-east senatorial district at the national assembly from 2007 to 2011.

The party described him as 'more than a political figure'.

The statement reads in part:

"He brought honour and dignity to the office, leaving behind a record of leadership that will continue to inspire generations.

“His death is a monumental loss, not just to the Konshisha people and the Jechira bloc, but to the entire Benue state and Nigeria at large.

“We have lost a voice of reason, a pillar of wisdom, and a bridge between generations.”

Benue governor mourns Akaagerger

In the same vein, Benue state governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, expressed deep sadness over the death of Senator Akaagerger.

Alia described the retired lieutenant-colonel who served as a military administrator of Katsina state as a patriotic Nigerian and as one who gave the nation and Benue state his very best during his lifetime.

Governor Alia said:

“As a lawmaker and Senator representing Benue North-East Senatorial District, the late Senator equally proved his quality in politics, business, community service and philanthropy."

A statement by Kula, Tersoo Kula, Alia's chief press secretary, quoted the governor as praying to God to console his immediate family, the deceased's associates, and the entire people of Benue State and Nigeria as a whole.

He urged them to take comfort in the legacies he left behind and build on them to honour his memory.

Katsina governor sad over Akaagerger's death

Dikko Radda, Governor of Katsina State, said he had also received news of the passing of Colonel Akaagerger with profound sorrow.

This is contained in a statement by the governor’s chief press secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed, and made available to journalists on Monday, May 19.

According to the statement, Radda remembered the 'immense contributions' of Col. Akaagerger to Katsina state during a critical transition period in Nigeria’s history.

The statement said:

“In the brief but impactful period he spent steering the affairs of our state, he built bridges that have withstood the test of time. Today, we don’t just mourn a former military administrator - we mourn a brother who bound Katsina and Benue with cords of friendship that death cannot sever."

Ex-Kaduna governor loses father

Earlier, Legit.ng also reported that Alhaji Ramalan Yero, father of former Kaduna state Governor, Alhaji Muktar Ramalan Yero, had passed away.

Yero, a revered figure within the Zazzau Emirate, was known for his dedication to community service and his hard work throughout his life.

His passing left a void in both the traditional and political spheres of the region, and tributes have poured in from across the state and beyond.

Head of the politics and current affairs desk, Nurudeen Lawal, contributed more information about Rtd Col. Joseph Akaagerger to this report.

Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng