Shehu said this in a statement titled “ President Buhari mourns friend, political associate, Isma’ila Isa Funtua ” and made available to journalists.
Funtua , believed to be one of the power brokers behind Buhari ’s regime , died on Monday evening.
Shehu quoted the President as saying that Funtua ’s death has created a huge gap because the deceased consistently stood by him in his political journey.
The statement read, “ President Muhammadu Buhari received with deep sadness on Monday evening information on passing of his longtime friend and associate , Malam Isma’ila Isa Funtua , who was Life Patron of International Press Institute and Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria.
“ The President condoles with family members, government and people of Katsina State, and all associates of the former President of NPAN , especially the media industry , on the loss , describing him as ‘greatly admired and respected.
“ President Buhari believes the demise of the publisher and businessman has created a huge gap as Malam Funtua consistently stood by him in his political journey .
“ The President prayed to Allah for repose of Malam Funtua ’s soul , and to grant the family strength and fortitude to bear the loss .” (Punch)