By Bola Saliu
When paupers die,there are no comets seen.But heavens themselves blazes forth the death of princes according to Williams Shakespeare in his epic book Julius Caesar.
The death of Richard,the only son of Dame Pauline Tallen, Nigeria former Minister of Women Affairs and first female Deputy Governor Northern Nigeria has attracted the hearts of Nigerians from all works of life to the Abuja home of the matriarch of the Tallen family.
Dame Tallen was not just a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,she is a devout catholic who has touched many lives in and out of political office.A kind hearted detribalized Nigerian,she is reputed to have her home open to all manner of people in need.
It is therefore not a surprise when former President Muhammadu Buhari sent 10 members of his former cabinet with a message of condolence to the former Minister off Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Paulin Tallen following the death of her son, Richard Adamu Tallen.
In the message delivered on behalf of former President Buhari on Wednesday by the former Minister of information and National Orientation, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the ex-president, described the deceased as “a gem and a rising star. He has passed away, and it is very saddening.”
The former President, according to a release issued on Thursday by his spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu, urged the grieving mother and family to take solace and comfort in the outpouring of love and respect from all who admired the late Richard.The delegation, led by Lai Mohammed included former Ministers of Power, Abubakar Aliyu; Environment, Mohammed Abdullahi; Power (State), Jedy Agba; Niger Delta, Umana Umana and Industry, Trade and Investment, Niyi Adebayo.Others were the Ministers of Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare; Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, Transportation, Muazu Jaji and Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu.Prayers were said for the repose of the soul of the deceased.
The incumbent Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Senator Kashim Shettima has also led a delegation of the Presidency to the Wuse 2 home of the Tallen.
Former Inspector General of Police Sir Mike Mbama Okiro,Leaders of the Catholic Community in the FCT, Political Bigwigs, friends, family and associates are in droves in the home of the Tallen .
Richard died in an Abuja hospital early this week after a brief illness.
