A statement by his media aide, Rafiu Ajakaye, quoted Belgore as also urging Nigerian leaders and the citizens to rededicate themselves to "promoting good governance, peace, tolerance and poverty eradication efforts" as Nigeria turns 52 tomorrow. The statement read: "I condole with the families and friends of the late Dr Abdul-Lateef Adegbite, the NSCIA Secretary General, whose death is a minus to the country's peace making efforts.

"While praying the Almighty God to grant him Aljanat firdaous, I implore all Nigerians to use the ocassion of his death to rededicate themselves to peacful coexistence. This is because all of us will come up for some appraisals when we breath our last. Ultimately whatever we do for our common humanity, be it good or bad, will be talked about. Today everybody, christians and Muslims, is talking about the late legal practitioner cum Islamic leader being a bridge-builder and a man of history.

"As our country marks 52 anniversary, I join other patriotic Nigerians to call on our leaders of all hues and every citizen to re-appraise our priorities to determine whether we are on the right side of history or not. We should rededicate ourselves to promote good governance, peace, tolerance and poverty eradication efforts."