Lagos State governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode and the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have expressed sadness over the death of one of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission’s Commissioner (LASIEC), Mr. Abdullateef Raji.
Raji, a former Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to ex-Governor Babatunde Fashola died in the early hours of yesterday at the age of 54 after long years of battle with cancer of the throat.
Ambode in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, described the late Raji as a seasoned media strategist who was always committed to serve in any capacity he found himself.
“Raji in no small way contributed to the success of the last local government elections in Lagos where he served as one of the LASIEC Commissioners. He was ever committed to contribute his quota in any office he was appointed to serve.
“His demise has come as a rude shock to us as he died in the line of duty. He was a brilliant scholar and an astute writer of repute, who used his pen to enhance the narrative of rule of law and democracy in Nigeria,” he said.
While praying for the peaceful repose of his soul, the Governor, who described Raji’s death as irreparable loss, urged his family to draw strength from the fact that he made meaningful impact during his lifetime.
In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Joe Igbokwe, Lagos APC said: “Lateef Raji was a dedicated servant of our great party whether in AD (Alliance for Democracy), AC (Action Congress), ACN (Action Congress of Nigeria) or APC. He was a progressive par excellence, a thinker, scholar and a great soldier of ideas in politics.
“Lateef gave a powerful and excellent good account of himself in actions and deeds. Few months ago he was appointed a member of the board of the LASIEC. He died after working with others to conclude the recent Lagos State Local Government Area elections.
“Lagos APC will definitely miss Lateef Raji’s deep intellectual disposition, intelligence, energy and integrity he brings to bear in the discharge of any assignment given to him.
“Lagos APC sympathises with the families of Alhaji Lateef Raji and asks Allah, the most beneficent, the most compassionate, and the most merciful to give them the courage and fortitude to bear the great loss,” the party spokesman stated.
