Bola Tinubu, the national leader of the All Progressives
Congress (APC), has confirmed the death of Lateef Raheem, believed to be his
most trusted aide.
Tinubu, on Saturday, made revelations about how Lateef
(fondly called Lati) died, how they met and the bond they shared.
“I would never see him again”, he lamented of the passing of
his Chief Security Officer for many years.
Raheem passed away on Friday after battling high blood
pressure and diabetes.
“Lateef passed away during the early morning of Friday,
April 25. He was buried later that day in accordance with Muslim rites. He was
51. His unexpected death apparently was due to complications from diabetes and
high blood pressure. Lateef was a person of strong and resilient character. He
never sought special treatment or favor despite his years of loyal and
excellent service to me. He never took his work or his valued position as my
aide for granted. He knew I relied on him and trusted him explicitly.
“But Lateef never tried to take selfish advantage of his
important position. He was forthright and honest to a fault. This man was one
who completely focused on his job and doing it to the best of his ability. He
did everything with care and devotion. Lateef made sure everything worked well.
He was smart, active and always on alert. He was indeed a rarity as a
professional and more so as a person. He never complained or even let it be
known that he had these medical conditions. It just was not in his character.
He was committed to giving his all to his work.
“Lateef was not a boisterous or extravagant personality. He
was understated but so very kind and considerate to others. He spoke quietly
and was not a man of many words. Yet, undergirding that gentle mien was a
tough, firm and solid personality. Lateef was a topnotch police officer.
“I met Lateef in early 1999 when he was seconded to me by
the police during the campaign for the governorship election in Lagos. He stood
faithfully beside me during the rigours of the primaries and campaign. He
helped me weather the storm. I quickly understood that he was an exceptional
person and officer whom I wanted to be with him throughout the rest of my
political journey. We remained together during my two terms as governor of
Lagos. We have been together since then. Wherever I was, you could be sure
Lateef was nearby making certain of my security and that all was working
properly and efficiently.
“As head of my security, Lateef had a permanent seat in my
vehicle. Whenever I saw him there, I felt assured and relaxed. Now, I will look
to his seat but not see him. I will miss him because that was truly his seat.
Over the years, Lateef became more than my chief security officer. He became a
partner, a trustworthy friend. In the car, we talked and exchanged views and
ideas. His counsel was sound and valuable. We shared so much. Notwithstanding
his unflinching professionalism, he was such a pleasant person to be with. He
was a devout Muslim who often reminded me it was time for us to observe Salat.
“When he joined me, Lateef was a Corporal with school
certificate. Because of his thirst for knowledge and personal improvement, he
subsequently acquired a university degree. He did not stop there. He kept
growing. When he passed, Lateef had risen to the level of Assistant
Superintendent of Police. To say I will miss Lateef is to understate my feeling
for him and what our relationship had matured into. Someone may have to fill
his position but they can never truly take his place for Lateef was
one-of-a-kind.
“Lateef dedicated his life to a cause, our progressive
cause. He believed Nigeria could become better and that government had a vital
role to play in enhancing security and prosperity so that the lives of the
people might improve. He was a true patriot. We must continue to push to make
the progressive dream we shared become our reality.
“My deepest condolences are with his wives and children.
With his passing, they have lost a caring husband and father. May Almighty
Allah comfort them, indeed, comfort all of us at this moment. May Almighty
Allah give us strength and guidance that we may live lives of dedication to the
public good and compassion for our fellow man. May He grant the soul of Lateef
eternal rest and admit him into Aljanna Firdaus.”
Exactly one week ago, President Muhammadu Buhari lost his
Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari.
Widely regarded as Buhari’s most trusted aide, he died of
coronavirus complications.
Buhari, in a personal eulogy, disclosed that Kyari was his
friend of 42 years.
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