The government and people of Bayelsa have been thrown into mourning following the death of Nestor Binabo, a former acting governor of the state.
Binabo was in charge of the state between January 27 and February 14, 2012.
He died on Thursday after a protracted illness.
He also held other political offices, including being a commissioner for youth and conflict resolution, deputy speaker, acting speaker and speaker of the Bayelsa House of Assembly where he represented Sagbama constituency III.
The state governor, Douye Diri, described Binabo as a grassroots politician who will be greatly missed in the politics of the state.
Diri, in a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, noted that Binabo contributed his quota to the development of the state and left at God’s ordained time, having battled to stay alive.
He urged the late politician’s immediate and political families to accept his demise as the will of God and be consoled by his great impact in the politics and development of the state.
Diri eequally prayed God to grant his family the fortitude to bear the loss.
Diri said, “It is sad that the state has lost a former acting governor, foremost legislator and formidable grassroots politician.
“No one can question God why it happened. Everyone has an appointed time.
“I urge his family to be comforted by his exemplary role in politics and his impact in the development of Bayelsa. The state will greatly miss him.
“I pray for strength for the family and the grace to bear this loss.”