By Desire Uzochukwu
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has mourned the death of former Senator representing Katsina South Senatorial District, Bello Mandiya, describing him as a dependable ally of the human rights community and a committed advocate of democratic values.
Mandiya, who died at the age of 62, served in the Senate from 2019 to 2023 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a condolence statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, HURIWA extended its sympathy to the deceased’s family, the people of Katsina State, his political associates, former colleagues and Nigerians mourning his death.
The organisation said Mandiya was more than a politician and lawmaker, recalling his consistent engagement with issues of human rights, democracy, justice and national development.
HURIWA particularly remembered his participation in several of its national human rights lectures, where it said he contributed thoughtfully to discussions on pressing challenges facing the country and offered practical suggestions on strengthening the work of human rights defenders.
According to the organisation, Mandiya’s commitment to human rights remained evident during his years in public office, first as Chief of Staff to former Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari, and later as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“HURIWA particularly remembers him as a public official who understood that governance was not merely about political power, but also about protecting citizens’ rights, strengthening democratic institutions and promoting justice and human dignity,” the statement said.
Before entering the Senate, Mandiya had a background in journalism and media management. HURIWA said he published a specialised magazine aimed at promoting political dialogue and national unity.
The organisation described him as an intellectually grounded media practitioner who viewed communication as an instrument for dialogue rather than division.
Mandiya’s death has attracted tributes from political leaders and public figures, including Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, who described his passing as a major loss to the state and Nigeria.
Former Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, also mourned the former senator, describing him as a “thoroughbred lawmaker” who brought diligence, intellect and a strong sense of responsibility to his duties, particularly as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Water Resources.
Founder of Agora Policy and former Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Waziri Adio, also expressed grief over the death, recalling that his friendship with Mandiya dated back to 1988.
HURIWA said the best tribute to the late senator would be to preserve the values he represented, including intellectual engagement, political dialogue, national unity, public service and the defence of human dignity.
“His contributions may have come to an end with his passing, but his intellectual footprints and the memories of his engagement with the human rights community will remain,” the organisation said.
HURIWA prayed Allah to forgive Mandiya’s shortcomings, grant him eternal rest and give his family, friends, colleagues and associates the strength to bear the loss.
