Buhari's Ally, Ismaila Isa Funtua, Is Dead
A close associate of President Muhammadu Buhari and Second Republic minister, Ismaila Isa Funtua, has died.
Funtua passed away on Monday evening reportedly from a cardiac arrest.
The Katsina born newspaper publisher, business tycoon and industrialist was a minister of water resources during the administration of President Shehu Shagari.
Subsequently, the President in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, consoled with family members, government and people of Katsina State and the media industry.
“President Muhammadu Buhari received with deep sadness on Monday evening information on the passing away of his longtime friend and associate, Malam Isma’ila Isa Funtua, who was Life Patron of International Press Institute and Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN).
“The President condoles with family members, government and people of Katsina State, and all associates of the former President of NPAN, especially the media industry, on the loss, describing him as ‘greatly admired and respected ‘.
“President Muhammadu Buhari believes the demise of the publisher and businessman has created a huge gap as Malam Funtua consistently stood by him in his political journey.
“The President prayed to Allah for repose of Mallam Funtua’s soul, and to grant the family strength and fortitude to bear the loss,” the statement said.
Funtua, along with the late former Chief of Staff to President, Abba Kyari and the President’s nephew, Mamman Daura; were described as powerful members in the ‘kitchen cabinet’ of the President Muhammadu Buhari.
