Senator Bukar was declared dead on Wednesday, April 4, 2018, after a brief illness.

Ekweremadu described Bukar's death as a 'heavy blow' to the Senate and the entire nation.

“Distinguished Senator Mustapha’s exit is a grave loss and big blow not only to the Senate and the National Assembly, but to the entire nation," Ekweremadu said in a statement made available to Pulse by his media aide, Anichukwu Uche.

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“He was a fine gentleman, quite humane, diligent, perceptive, and humble. He was a pan-Nigerian and a pro-masses lawmaker, who showed great interest in finding lasting solution to the nation’s perennial energy problem. He will be sorely missed.

“I send heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the Government of Katsina State, and his constituents, particularly President Muhammadu Buhari,” he added.

Ekweremadu prayed God to grant eternal rest to the soul of the departed and support the late Senator’s family, the good people of Katsina State, and the nation with the fortitude to bear the irreversible loss.

Earlier, Senate President Bukola Saraki had expressed shock over the death of Senator Bukar.

Saraki described the death of Bukar as one too many coming a few weeks after the Senate lost Senator Ali Wakili.