Mama Taraba dies; political ally, Atiku, mourns

Former Minister of Women Affairs and gubernatorial candidate in the last two elections in Taraba State, Senator Aisha Alhassan is dead.

She reportedly died in a Cairo hospital after a protracted illness.

Her political ally, who she remained loyal to, though they ended up in different political parties in the last general elections, former Vice President Atiku Abubabar has said that with her death, Nigeria has lost yet another impactful female politician in recent memory.

Reacting to her death, Atiku said in a statement in Abuja on Friday evening that “Aisha Alhassan was a reliable political ally and a foot soldier who was passionate about her political convictions.”

“I am grieved by the loss of former Sen. Aisha Alhassan.  I asked about her condition this (yesterday’s) afternoon after I called her number without a response!”, Atiku said.

“I can’t forget her dedication and how she stood by me through thick and thin in the course of my political career,” the former Vice President recalled adding, “I really have lost a sister and loyalist.”

According to the former Vice President, Aisha Alhassan was not only sincere, but also worked very hard for the achievement of whatever cause he (Atiku Abubakar) set himself to accomplish.

He said that Mama Taraba, as she was popularly known, was an accomplished civil servant, astute politician and patriot. She was compassionate, loyal and deeply committed to a better Nigeria.

He pointed out that one of the qualities he admired about her is that she was a determined fighter who never gave up to despair.

“You must also give Aisha Alhassan the credit for breaking the political glass ceiling in an environment in which many women are scared of joining politics because of cultural and traditional stereotypes. Overcoming such formidable obstacles to make an impact is no easy task”, Atiku further extolled her virtues.

He prayed to God to forgive her gentle soul and reward her good deeds with paradise in this holy month.