Former Anambra State governor, Senator Chris Ngige, has expressed shock on the death of the former Senate Leader, Dr. Olusola Saraki.

He described his death as the end of a glorious era in Kwara and northern Nigerian politics.

Speaking with reporters in Awka, Senator Ngige said he met the late Saraki when he was a member of the Medical Students Association of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

He said: "Dr. Saraki encouraged us to study hard and prepare for the future. He told us that the future belonged to youths. At that time, one could see the warmth and genuine passion he had for the downtrodden and oppressed people, which he transformed into charity and philanthropy."

Senator Ngige described Saraki as an astute politician and a strategist.

He added: "As a politician, Saraki was an astute strategist and an achiever. For five decades, he was the big masquerade in Kwara politics, producing a dynasty of political gladiators who continue to hold sway in the state and Nigeria. He passed on at a time the people of Kwara and Nigeria need his advice and wealth of experience. I pray for the repose of his soul."