Abuja — The son of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alh. Aminu Bello Masari has died. Kamaludeen Aminu Bello Masari, 21, passed away in the early hours of yesterday after a brief illness, according to a statement by Leon Usigbe, a media Special Assistant to Masari.

Sources close to the family said the late Kamaludeen died of sickle cell anaemia, and has been buried according to Islamic rites. Kamaludeen's elder brother, Shamsudeen, died last year in an auto crash in Katsina city. He was an engineering student at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. The statement from the office of the Speaker said the late Kamaludeen was until his death, an SS 2 student of the Model Staff School in Maitama, Abuja.

Family sources said Masari who has been on official assignment to the United States of America and Brazil has been informed of the death. He is expected back in Nigeria today. The Speaker however instructed that late Kamaludeen be buried yesterday at Masari village in Katsina state. An associate of Masari, Hon (Dr.) Ahmad Lawan, when contacted yesterday evening, said he was returning from the burial of late Kamaludeen in Masari village and prayed God for the repose of his soul.

Lawan said: "Kamaludeen's death is a great loss but it is the will of God and every Muslim must submit to the will of God. We will all return to Him one day. May God give the family of Masari, his friends and associates, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss". A Special Assistant to Masari on Media, Austin Iyashere, said: "Kamaludeen was a cool headed and obedient boy, a wonderful son that every father would be proud of." He said the Speaker is expected back this week.

He described the Speaker as a sober person and that the death will bring moment of sadness to him, adding that "we believe that God gives and God takes."