Former Bayelsa State Governor and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, has announced the death of his longtime aide and retired police officer, DSP Zamani Tanko, following a road accident in Abuja.

In a statement shared on X, Dickson expressed deep sorrow over the sudden loss of Tanko, whom he described as a loyal aide, trusted confidant, and member of his family.

According to the senator, he received a distress call on Thursday morning informing him that Tanko had been involved in an accident after his vehicle reportedly collided with a truck in Abuja. The retired police officer reportedly lost consciousness and was rushed to hospital.

Dickson said members of his staff quickly responded to the scene and ensured Tanko was taken to the National Hospital, Abuja, where he later joined efforts to secure immediate medical attention for him.

Despite undergoing surgery performed by a team of surgeons, Tanko did not survive.

“We made arrangements for prompt medical treatments which were offered, but unfortunately, after the surgery by a team of surgeons assembled to bring him back to life, we received a call later that afternoon that he could not make it,” Dickson stated.

The senator said the news had left him, his family, and members of his staff devastated.

Paying tribute to the deceased, Dickson noted that Tanko served Nigeria faithfully as a police officer for 35 years before joining his personal staff, where he handled various responsibilities in addition to security duties.

He said Tanko had worked with him for about 15 years and had become one of his most trusted aides and a beloved member of his household.

“On behalf of my family and members of my staff who are all mourning, we thank Zamani Tanko for his loyal, faithful and dedicated service to our country and his humble and loyal service to me,” he said.

Dickson added that his family affectionately called the deceased “Uncle Zamani” and said they were deeply affected by his passing.

The senator offered prayers for Tanko’s wife and family, asking God to grant him eternal rest, while assuring that efforts were underway to work with the family to organise a befitting funeral.

He also acknowledged visits and messages of condolence from prominent political figures following the tragedy.

Among those who visited him were the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who spent time consoling the family, and National Chairman of the NDC, Moses Cleopas, who led a delegation of the party’s working committee.

Dickson also thanked Buba Galadima for his condolence visit.

He said he would continue to liaise with Tanko’s family on burial arrangements and expressed hope that many people would join them in paying their final respects.

“Adieu Zamani,” the senator concluded.