Former Reps Member Aliyu Bahago Ahman Patigi dies at 59 In Abuja * may be flown to home town for burial today
By Omowumi Omotosho
The political landscape in Kwara State and indeed Nigeria was on Thursday struck with grief following the sudden death of former House of Representatives member, Hon. Aliyu Bahago Ahman Patigi.
He was 59.
Patigi who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) during the last general elections, died in Abuja.
There were conflicting claims about where he breathed his last as at the the time of filling this report.
Some sources claimed he died in the National hospital while others said he died in a private medical facility at the Nation’s capital.
National Pilot gathered that he had battled undisclosed medical challenges for some time now.
He had, according to sources, sought treatment in India without success.
After returning to the country, he was admitted into the Abuja hospital where he was to go through surgical operation on Wednesday, sources revealed.
His remains are expected to be flown back to Patigi for burial later today (Thursday).
Aliyu Patigi, the Galadima of Patigi, was born on December 30, 1964. He would have been 60 in about two months.
Pategi hailed from a notable political lineage. He was one of the children of the late Alhaji Ahman Pategi, who had previously served as the Minister of Health and Agriculture.
Before his foray into politics, Aliyu began his career as the Chief Executive Officer of Platform Nigeria Limited and Ahmann Patigi Farms. He also held roles such as Director at Tranex and Branch Chairman of the Kwara State Red Cross Society.
In the political sphere, Patigi represented the Edu Moro, Pategi Federal Constituency of Kwara North in the National Assembly for three terms. During his time in the House of Representatives, he twice served as Chairman of the House Committee on Water Resources and also chaired the Legislative Budget Research Committee. His contributions extended to other key committees, including Appropriation and Commerce.
Aliyu Patigi was also a significant figure in Kwara State’s political landscape, consistently positioning himself for leadership. He was a contender in the last governorship primary race.
Aside from his political achievements, Aliyu made significant contributions to education in Kwara State.
In 2021, he founded Ahman Pategi University, a private institution at KM 3, Patigi, Kpada Rd, Patigi, Kwara State, with the aimed of creating more job opportunities and improving access to higher education in the region.
His younger sister, Hajia Aisha Ahman-Pategi, is an active politician and served as the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Kwara State, before she was controversially redeployed to serve as Commissioner for Special Duties and on Friday 28th August, 2020, she resigned to ” focus on new ideal.
Tragically, Aliyu’s elder brother, Alhaji Ahman Ahmed Sardauna Pategi, was killed in 2002, allegedly by hired assassins while traveling to Abuja.
Aliyu was married to former Minister of State for Defence, Jumoke Akinjide, who faced legal troubles after being declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Akinjide was implicated in a case of conspiracy and laundering of N650 million, funds allegedly received from the former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, in 2015. Aliyu Patigi had stood as surety for Akinjide, entering into a N650 million bail bond to guarantee her appearance in court. His failure to produce her before an Ibadan High Court led to his remand.
As the nation mourns the loss of a seasoned politician, tributes continue to pour in for Aliyu Bahago Ahman Patigi. Further details about his death are awaited.
