By Eric Elezuo
Malam Adamu Ciroma died on Thursday at the Turkish Hospital in Abuja. He was aged 84.
He was the Minister of Finance, appointed by the President Olusegun Obasanjo administration. He also served once as a governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
The late statesman studied History and was trained as a journalist. He began his career as a Special Assistant on Political Affairs to the late Premier of the Northern Region, Sir Ahmadu Bello.
Before his foray into partisan politics, he rose to become the Managing Director of The New Nigerian Newspaper.
He aspired for the Nigerian presidency on several occasions and was also a Minister of Agriculture under the President Shehu Shagari-led administration.
The late Ciroma was a founding figure of the Peoples Democratic Party and served as a member of its Board of Trustees.
He was also one of those who stood against the military dictatorship of the late Gen. Sani Abacha.
In September 1983, he was made the chairman of a presidential transition committee, which further demonstrated the trust the president had in his capabilities.
He was married to Maryam Ciroma
He was buried same day of death according to Islamic rite.
President Muhammadu Buhari described him as one who will be long remembered for his remarkable service and dedication to the country’s unity, progress and stability.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo described him as a statesman who gave his best to his fatherland.
On his part, a former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, said that his death had robbed Nigeria of one of its finest statesmen who gave their best to their country.
The President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, also described his death as a monumental loss to Nigeria while former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniels, said it was a great loss.
