NATIONAL Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Senator Seriake Dickson has paid tributes to his aide DSP Zamani Tanko (RTD) who was laid to rest in Nasarawa State earlier today.
Senator Dickson in the company of his wife Dr. Rachel Dickson, NDC presidential candidate Mr. Peter Obi, NDC leaders and executives attended the funeral service.
The NDC National Leader in his own words:
“Today, I pay tribute not only to a loyal aide and dedicated officer, but to a brother and cherished member of my family whose sudden passing has left a deep void in our lives. DSP Zamani Tanko (RTD) was a man of loyalty, humility and uncommon dedication, whose life was defined by service to his country and selfless commitment to others.
“I first came to know Zamani when he was posted to me as an Inspector of Police and became one of my security details. Prior to that, he had acquired extensive experience in the CID, SIB and MOPOL before he was selected to be part of my protective team during my time as Governor.
“From that point on, he worked very closely with me and, over time, became much more than an aide; he became a member of my family. For over fifteen years, he remained by my side and grew to become one of my closest and most trusted aides.
When he retired from active service, I had no difficulty asking him to continue working with me, not as a security officer, but as a Special Assistant. Such was the trust, loyalty and bond we had built over the years. He was no longer just a member of staff; he had become family. Even my children and every member of the family fondly called him “Uncle Zamani.”
“Zamani was an honest and hardworking man, friendly to everyone, dependable, respectful and humble. He carried out many responsibilities and handled numerous tasks for me and my family with dedication and commitment. He served with loyalty and sincerity and was always willing to help others without hesitation.
“Since his passing, I have found myself, on several occasions, calling out his name whenever matters or assignments he usually handled for me arise, only to suddenly be reminded of the painful reality that he is no longer with us. It is a difficult reality to accept, and I know it will take some time to become accustomed to his permanent absence in our lives.
“His passing is without doubt a painful and tragic blow to my entire family and staff. We have lost not only a loyal aide, but a brother, a friend and a man whose presence had become part of our everyday lives. His loyalty was unwavering, his service was selfless and his commitment was beyond duty.
“As we mourn his painful departure, we remain grateful to Almighty God for the years we shared with him, for his service, friendship and for the impact he made in our lives. Though he is no longer physically with us, the memories we shared and the values he lived by will continue to remain with us.
May Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest and comfort his wife, children, family and loved ones during this difficult time.
“Adieu Zamani.”
Zamani died from a vehicle accident in Abuja on 18 June 2026.
He is survived by a wife, children and other relations.
