The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has been thrown into mourning following the death of one of his most trusted aides, Mr. Zamani Tanko, who died in a tragic road accident in Abuja.
Tanko, a retired Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), reportedly lost his life after his Peugeot 406 collided with a truck carrying bamboo poles in the Apo area of the Federal Capital Territory.
According to Senator Dickson, the impact of the collision caused some of the bamboo poles to pierce through the vehicle’s windscreen, inflicting severe injuries on Tanko, particularly to his face and major arteries.
The former Bayelsa State governor and current senator representing Bayelsa West said despite urgent medical intervention by a team of surgeons and healthcare professionals at the National Hospital, Abuja, efforts to save Tanko’s life proved unsuccessful.
The senator disclosed the development in an emotional statement posted on his Facebook page, describing the deceased as more than an aide, but a brother and member of his family who served him faithfully for over 15 years.
“It is with deep sadness that I announce the sudden passing of my beloved aide, DSP Zamani Tanko (Rtd), who over the years became a brother and member of my family,” Dickson said.
He noted that Tanko had served Nigeria diligently as a police officer for 35 years before joining his team, where he handled security responsibilities and other important assignments.
Recounting the events that followed the accident, Dickson said he was informed that Tanko had become unconscious after the collision and was immediately rushed to the National Hospital by aides who responded to the scene.
“I rushed there myself after I was informed. We made arrangements for prompt medical treatment, but despite the efforts of a team of surgeons assembled to save him, we later received the heartbreaking news that he could not survive,” the senator stated.
The lawmaker said his family and staff have been devastated by the loss, describing Tanko as one of his most loyal and dependable associates.
“During the past fifteen years, he became not only one of my most trusted aides but also a cherished member of my family. He was fondly called ‘Uncle Zamani’ by members of my family, who are deeply saddened by his passing,” he added.
Dickson expressed gratitude to political associates and party leaders who visited to condole with him and his family following the tragedy. Among those who paid condolence visits were the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, the party’s National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, who led members of the National Working Committee, and veteran politician Alhaji Buba Galadima.
The senator also extended his condolences to Tanko’s wife and family, praying for the repose of his soul and assuring that arrangements would be made to give him a befitting burial.
Meanwhile, an atmosphere of grief prevailed at Senator Dickson’s residence in Abuja, where serving and former aides gathered in shock to mourn the sudden loss of their colleague, remembered by many as a dedicated, humble and loyal public servant.
