Veteran Nigerian journalist and former Second Republic lawmaker, Sidi Ali, passed away on Thursday evening at the age of 86 in Kano State. The sad news of his demise was confirmed by a family member on Friday.
Ali’s extensive contributions to Nigerian public life included roles in journalism, politics, and public service. He held notable positions at institutions such as the Nigerian International Press Centre, the Ministry of Information, and the National Broadcasting Commission.
In the political sphere, Ali held membership in the All Progressives Congress and was actively involved in the party’s Elders Committee in Kano State.
His passing has prompted condolences from various figures, including Human Rights activist and former lawmaker Shehu Sanni, who described Ali as a “human library” due to his vast knowledge of Nigerian history.
His words on X read: “I received the sad news of the demise of renowned elder state man, author, journalist, politician, and historian, Alhaji Sidi Ali. The late Sidi a human library was a human library and prolific writer. He was a man who could recall every event that happened in Nigeria till late independence. A great loss. My condolences to his family and people of Kano State.”
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Honorable Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, also expressed sorrow over the loss of Ali, describing him as a “good ambassador” of the National Assembly until his passing.
Speaker Abbas spoke of Ali as having a brilliant mind from the northern region of Nigeria and extended condolences to his family, the people of Kano State, and the government. He further prayed that Allah grant him Jannatul Firdaus.
