President Buhari's Close Ally, Ismaila Isa Funtua Is Dead, Buhari Reacts
President Buhari received with deep sadness on Monday evening information on passing of his longtime friend and associate, Malam Isma’ila Isa Funtua, who was Life Patron of International Press Institute and Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN)
Joy Kalu 
Former President of the Newspapers Proprietors of Nigeria( NPAN), Mallam Isa Funtua, is dead.
The close ally of President Muhammadu Buhari died on Monday night shortly after driving himself to a hospital.
Funtua, who was a former Minister in the Second Republic, reportedly felt uneasy at about 4 pm.
It was learned that he did not take things for granted and he drove himself to a hospital where he died.
A source said: “It is difficult to confirm what really happened but he lost the battle after getting to the hospital.
“Some said it was a cardiac arrest but only his doctors can confirm what went wrong."
An in-law to Buhari, the deceased would be buried on Tuesday.
Among early callers to his residence was a former Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mallam Wada Maida.
Until his death, he was one of the most influential politicians and businessmen in Nigeria.
He had in the early 1980s established The Democrats, an all-color newspaper which became authoritative on political matters.
His construction firm, Bulet, became a household after constructing the magnificent Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
He recently clarified he was not seeking to be Chief of Staff to Buhari or contest the Presidency in 2023.
Although prayers were being offered for repose of his soul at Shagari Mosque in Area 1 part of Abuja, it was gathered that he would be buried by 1pm on Tuesday.
Reacting to his demise, President Muhammadu Buhari condoles with Funtua's family members, government and people of Katsina State, and all associates of the former President of NPAN, especially the media industry, on the loss, describing him as “greatly admired and respected’’.
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President Buhari believes the demise of the publisher and businessman has created a huge gap as Malam Funtua consistently stood by him in his political journey.
The President prayed to Allah for repose of Malam Funtua's soul, and to grant the family strength and fortitude to bear the loss.
