President Buhari’s Ally, Isa Funta Dies at 78

… prominent Nigerians pour tribute

President Muhammadu Buhari’s strong ally, Mallam Ismaila Isa Funta is dead.

News of Funta’s death filtered in late Monday night although cause of death is yet to be disclosed. According to sketchy report, the deceased died of cardiac arrest while undergoing routine medical checkup in Abuja.

Mallam Funta was the founding Managing Director of Democrat Newspaper, life patron of Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria and President of NPAN for eight years.

The Funtua, Katsina state born died at age 78. Also, he was the pioneer student of Federal Training Centre, Kaduna.

Also, Personal Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on New Media, Bashir Ahmaad while confirming the news wrote,

“Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un! Just heard about Mallam Ismaila Isa Funtua’s sudden death. This life! May Allah accept his soul, forgive his shortcomings and grant him Jannah al-Firdaus.”

Meanwhile, prominent Nigerians have joined the mourning train to pray for the deceased. Among top Nigerians who have poured in tributes and condolences to the Funta’s family and the President is, Former Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki.

The former Senate President wrote:

“Inalilahi Wa Ina ilaehi rajihun. I condole with His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, on the death of Alhaji Ismaila Isa Funtua.

As a valued associate of my late father, Alhaji Funtua always made himself available as a fountain of wisdom.

He was always ready to offer his advice and give a fresh perspective to issues. I will miss him and the country will miss a detribalised Nigerian and symbol of national unity that he was.

My condolences go to his family, his associates, the people and government of Katsina State and the entire country. May Almighty Allah (SWT) forgive his sins and grant him a place in Aljannah Firdaus.”

Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, former speaker House of Representatives wrote,

Malam Ismaila Isa Funtua was a Distinguished elderstatesman, media icon, construction magnate, industrialist & a patriot whose legacies are too numerous to list. My condolences to his family, friends, associates, the people & Govt of Katsina state. May his soul rest in peace.

Senator Ben Murray-Bruce and Managing Director of Silverbird Group of Companies also wrote;

“‪I am saddened by the death of my brother and senior colleague, Mallam Isa Funtua. I spoke to him just three hours before his reported death, and he promised to further call me tomorrow. I pray that God comforts his family and loved ones, and may his soul rest in peace.‬”