President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over the death of his longtime friend and associate, Malam Isma’ila Isa Funtua.

Funtua had reportedly died of cardiac arrest on Monday.

The elder statesman was a Life Patron of International Press Institute and Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN).

Reacting, Buhari in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media & Publicity, Garba Shehu, commiserated with family members, government and people of Katsina State, and all associates of the former President of NPAN, especially the media industry, on the loss.

He described him as “greatly admired and respected’’.

The President believed that the demise of the publisher and businessman has created a huge gap.

According to him, Malam Funtua consistently stood by him in his political journey.

He, therefore, prayed to Allah for repose of Malam Funtua’s soul, and to grant the family strength and fortitude to bear the loss.