A former lawmaker representing Niger North Senatorial District under the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Senator Ibrahim Musa is dead.
According to Leadership Newspapers, the deceased former Senator, considered as one of the foremost loyalists of late former President Muhammadu Buhari was elected between 2011 and 2015.
Announcing the death, the Niger State Government, in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman said “The Senator Ibrahim died today (Thursday) in Abuja after a brief illness, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated service to his people and the nation at large”.
Usman expressed deep sorrow on behalf of the State Government and people of the State over the demise of the former Senator
But in a report by The People’s Gazette, Senator Ibrahim Musa Kontagora died in Abuja after suffering a medical emergency.
The report said Mr Kontagora died at Nizamiye Hospital in Abuja after the facility management declined to conduct a critical surgery due to failure to pay $15,000 bill immediately.
The People’s Gazette further reported that the hospital had confirmed a $30,000 bill for Mr Kontagora, who represented Niger North Senatorial District from 2011 to 2015, but he was only able to deposit $15,000.
“Hospital officials said they would treat him as soon as the remaining balance came in,” a family member said. The family scrambled to get the balance, but, by the time it came in, it was already too late, The Gazette was told.
A spokesperson said the hospital had a policy of accepting full payment before treatment, but did not take responsibility for the tragedy.
Niger Governor Mohammed Bago was among those who raised funds for Mr Kontagora’s botched emergency surgery. Other politicians, including Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, have expressed condolences.
The late politician was survived by his wife and children. He will be buried shortly after Islamic rites at the National Mosque, Abuja, at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, The Gazette heard.
