The Speaker of House of Representatives, Rep. Aminu Tambuwal, has described the late Dr Olusola Saraki as a quintessential politician and father figure, who gave his all for the development of Nigeria.

The speaker's message was issued by Malam Imam Imam, his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, in Abuja on Wednesday.

Tambuwal said Saraki earned his place as one of Nigeria's most consistent advocates of democracy and would be best remembered for his pioneering role in the formation of leading political parties.

He said the effort led to the establishment of National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in the Second Republic as well as All Peoples Party, now ANPP.

Tambuwal said as the Senate Leader in the Second Republic, Saraki with his colleagues worked assiduously to entrench parliamentary democracy by putting national interest above personal and other parochial interests.

The speaker urged Nigerians to emulate Saraki's virtues of dedication, humility and compassion for the ordinary folks.

He prayed Almighty Allah to forgive the deceased whatever sin he might have committed and grant him rest.

Also, the Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu described the death of the former Senate Leader "as the exit of a people's democrat".

He said the late politician was a people-centred leader, who "lived for the people, politicked for the people and was totally and consistently committed to the people''.

Ekwremadu said Saraki's death was a great loss to the nation, considering that he distinguished himself as one of the most charismatic and vibrant Senate leaders in Nigeria.

He said Saraki would forever be remembered in Nigerian politics for "promoting the philosophy of people's welfare as the crux of politics''.

He condoled with the people of Kwara and Saraki's family over the loss and urged members of the political class to emulate his brand of politics by positively impacting on the lives of the people.

Saraki died in Lagos at the age of 79 after a prolonged illness.

(NAN)