The Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and senator representing Kaduna central senatorial district, Senator Shehu Sani, yesterday paid a visit to the 89-year-old official chief driver of the Premier of Northern Nigeria and the Sardauna of Sokoto, late Sir Ahmadu Bello.

Senator Sani who was elected under the umbrella of All Progressives Congress (APC) expressed worry about the neglect of the driver, Alhaji Ali Sarkin-Mota, by the 19 northern state governments for failing to accord him his due honour over the years after serving the premier and the region.

The senator said, associates of quality politicians like the Sardauna, Akintola, Azikiwe, Awolowo, and others, should not be neglected by governments of the day.

He lamented that instead of Nigerians, particularly, northerners, to preserve Sir Ahmadu Bello’s legacy for posterity, they were busy using his name for cheap political gains.

Sani said, “Look at Sir Ahmadu Bello’s driver, Alhaji Ali Sarki Mota, he drove Sardauna to every official function, he witnessed his killing by soldiers, but today, at 89 years old, he is being neglected by governments of the region.”

“Driving is a noble profession, and Alhaji Ali did it to the best of his knowledge by serving Sardauna to the best of his ability and love for the profession.

“Sardauna’s name should not be a launch pad for politicians to use at elections, rather they should emulate his selfless services to the people of north in particular and Nigeria in general.

“Sardauna lived and died for Nigeria, his life should continue to be celebrated by the people.

“If we have the likes of Sardauna, Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikiwe, stealing in government will not be possible, but our political elites have turned politics into money making ventures”, said Senator Sani

The former Premier’s driver, who spoke at the visit expressed gratitude to Senator Sani and ushering God’s blessings on the Senator.

The 89-year-old man said even though he is not a politician, he has been hearing about Senator Sani, without coming face to face with him, “but thank God we are meeting face to face today, and I thank him for the visit”.