Isma’ila Maihanchi, Taraba house of reps member-elect, is dead

Isma’ila Maihanchi, member-elect of the house of representatives for Jalingo/Yorro/Zing federal constituency in Taraba, is dead. 

Maihanci who won the election under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was born on October 22, 1986, aged 36.

His death is coming about two months after he defeated the incumbent member, Kasimu Maigari, of the All Progressive Congress (APC).

The house of representatives elections were conducted alongside the presidential polls on February 25.

On Saturday, a source in the family confirmed that Maihanchi died in the early hours of the day after a brief illness, adding that his remains would be laid to rest according to Islamic rites in Abuja.

He would have been part of the 10th national assembly to be inaugurated on May 29, 2023.

The politician and businessman was a special adviser to Darius Ishaku, governor of Taraba. He also served as the secretary of PDP in Taraba state.

Speaking in a statement,  Muktar Betara, house of representatives member for Biu/Bayo/Shani/Kwaya Kusar federal constituency of Borno state, commiserated with the people over the loss of their member.

Betara described the late member-elect as a brother and friend. 

He prayed for the repose of his soul and that Allah will grant his family and government of Taraba state the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. 

“It is with a heavy heart that I received the news about the passing away of my brother and Member-elect, Hon. Ismaila Yushau Maihanchi this morning.

“The news of his death came as a huge shock to me, knowing full well the depth of his knowledge and vision for a prosperous Nigeria, which we collectively share.

“Hon. Ismai’l Maihanchi will sorely be missed by all of us.”

Two weeks ago, Nuhu Clark, member-elect for Chibok constituency, in the Borno house of assembly, also died.

Clark was said to have been receiving treatment in India when he died.

A bye-election will have to be conducted by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to fill the position created by the demise of Maihanchi and Clark.