Prominent Nigerians, on Sunday, paid glowing tributes to former governor of Delta State, Senator Felix Ibru, who died on Saturday at his Ikeja GRA, Lagos residence, at the age of 80.

The Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, in a statement by his special adviser, media and publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, described Ibru’s death as painful and a great loss to the people of Delta State, Niger Delta, the political class and the entire nation.

“Ibru’s contributions to the growth of democracy in Nigeria remain legendary. He laid the solid foundation upon which subsequent governors of Delta State have continued to build. We shall all miss him,” Saraki said.

Former Senate President, David Mark, described the late Ibru as a pan-Nigerian, who worked for the peace and unity of the nation.

“Senator Ibru craved for a nation under God, where every citizen is free to pursue his or her legitimate ambition anywhere without fear of molestation,” he said.

The immediate past Senate leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba, recalled his relationship with the late Ibru in the fifth Senate, adding that his dedication to work, as well as his inter-personal relationship with other senators was fantastic.

“He was a complete gentleman, a statesman and a patriot. In his time, he demonstrated commitment and hardwork that belied his age,” he said.

Those at the residence of the deceased, on Sunday, on a condolence visit, included former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi; former Minister of Health, Prince Julius Adelusi Adeluyi; Bishop of Lagos West, Anglican Communion, Right Reverend James Olusola Odedeji; former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Housing, Mr Guy Otobo, among others.

Professor Akinyemi, who disclosed that Ibru was his senior prefect at Igbobi College in 1955, said the deceased was very kind and gave him all the protection he needed, being the youngest in the college those days.

Adeluyi, in his own remark, described the former Delta State governor as a giver, mentor and leader who was dedicated to the service of God in his lifetime.

Speaking on how Ibru should be immortalised, Adeluyi said that should be left for those that would succeed him, explaining that such effort should start from his state, Delta.

In his remark, former permanent secretary, Ministry of Works and Housing, Otobo, described Ibru as a good senior brother whom he revered.

“Olorogun Felix Ibru was an elegant man and a good statesman who served Delta State well as a governor and a senator. He was very kind and gentle and someone who lived a blessed life,” Otobo wrote in the condolence.

According to Bishop Odedeji, the former Delta governor was a kind man who came down to the level of everybody when it came to interaction, saying, “he doesn’t discriminate. He was very kind and humble. We will all miss him.”

Bishop Odedeji, who also had words of prayers with the family, said he was sure that papa lived a life that touched everybody that came across him.