Former Katsina Senator Bello Mandiya Dies At 62

Former Katsina South Senator Bello Mandiya has died at the age of 62.

The Katsina State Government announced his death in a statement released on Monday.

Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda expressed sadness over the former senator’s death, describing it as a major loss to both the state and Nigeria.

Radda said Mandiya was a dedicated public servant who made valuable contributions to the development of Katsina State and the country.

The governor offered his condolences to Mandiya’s family, residents of Katsina South, his friends and political associates, as well as his former colleagues in the Ninth Senate.

Before becoming a senator, Mandiya served as Chief of Staff to former Katsina State Governor Aminu Masari. He later won election to the Senate in 2019 under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Tributes have continued to come from former colleagues and people who knew him, with many describing him as a reliable friend, peacemaker and committed legislator.

Former Senate President Ahmad Lawan described Mandiya as an accomplished lawmaker who approached his responsibilities with dedication, intelligence and a strong sense of duty.

Lawan particularly praised his work as chairman of the Senate Committee on Water Resources.

Waziri Adio, founder of Agora Policy and former Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), also expressed grief over Mandiya’s death.

Adio said he had known and maintained a friendship with the former senator since 1988.

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