Ganduje, in a condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Abba Anwar, on Friday in Kano described Bayero’s death as a great loss, not only to his family but the state.

“We received, with the deepest shock, the death of Alhaji Bello Isah Bayero, who died when the state and the nation needed him the most.

“He was a gentleman, whose political leadership helped in the restoration of our democracy.

“As a gentleman, who trained many in many human endeavors, we missed him the most.

“His death is a great loss to Nigerian democracy, our traditional institution, and political leadership.

“Bayero was an embodiment of humility, excellence, productivity, openness, transparency, accountability, and that he was a father to the state and Nigerian democracy.

“What remains for us now, is to pray for Allah’s forgiveness and blessings on his soul and seek Allah’s guidance to give us all the courage to bear this great loss,’’ he said.

“On behalf of the government and people of Kano state, I am sending this condolence to his immediate families, our royal institution, friends and all other well-wishers of the late elder statesman Bello Isa Bayero.’’