Former President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed his condolences on the death of veteran labour leader and former President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ali Chiroma.
Chiroma, 91, died on Tuesday, at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital after a brief illness.
In a statement signed by his spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu, on Wednesday, Buhari said the deceased left behind notable contributions to the economy and the labour movement well beyond the borders of the nation.
“Ali Chiroma was indomitable. Full of life, insightful and fearless as a leader. He leaves behind a notable contribution to the labour movement and to my political career as an ardent supporter who stood by me before and during my years in the office of president.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family, the government, and the people of Borno State. May Allah give them the fortitude to bear the loss,” the statement read.
The Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, also expressed grief over the death of Chiroma.
Zulum’s message was released in a statement by his New Media aide, Abdurrahman Bundi, on Wednesday.
“I sympathise with the family and relatives of late Ali Chiroma; no doubt the death of a loved one is painful, but as Muslims, we all believe every soul shall taste death,” the statement quoted Zulum as saying, adding, “I, therefore, urge you to take solace in Almighty Allah.”
The governor added, “Ali Chiroma was a true champion of the working class, a fearless leader who dedicated his life to the welfare of Nigerian workers across the nation,” adding, “He shall be remembered for his doggedness and dedication to the cause of Nigerian workers.”
The late Chiroma served as the President of the NLC between 1984 and 1988.
He was the President of the defunct Rural Health Workers of Nigeria, now known as the Medical and Health Workers Association, in 1960.
Zulum prayed for the repose of the soul of the former unionist and an elder statesman.
He also commiserated with the Borno Elders Forum over the loss of one of their dedicated members.
