Former Katsina South senator Bello Mandiya has died. He was 62.
The Katsina State Government announced his passing on Monday, saying Mandiya died after a period of illness.
Governor Dikko Radda described the news as shocking and a “great loss” to both Katsina State and Nigeria. In a statement, he praised Mandiya as a committed public servant whose work in the state and at the national level would be remembered.
Mandiya began his career in public service as Chief of Staff to former Governor Aminu Masari. He was later elected to the Senate in 2019 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
During his time in the Ninth Senate, he chaired the Committee on Water Resources. Colleagues remember him for his diligence and calm approach to legislative work.
Former Senate President Ahmad Lawan paid tribute, calling Mandiya a “thoroughbred lawmaker” with intellect and a strong sense of duty.
Waziri Adio, founder of Agora Policy and former Executive Secretary of NEITI, also mourned him. Adio said their friendship stretched back to 1988.
The governor has extended condolences to Mandiya’s family, the people of Katsina South, his political associates, and his former colleagues in the Senate.
Mandiya is remembered by associates as a trusted confidant, a peacemaker, and a dedicated legislator.
