The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has described the death of former Katsina South Senator, Senator Bello Mandiya, as a painful loss to Nigeria’s democratic and human rights community
The group also
recalled his years of intellectual engagement, public service and unwavering support for dialogue on issues affecting citizens.
Mandiya, who died at the age of 62, was not merely remembered by HURIWA as a former lawmaker or politician, but as a public figure who consistently identified with the struggles of human rights defenders and participated actively in conversations on how to strengthen democracy, justice and the protection of citizens’ rights.
A statement by its national coordinator comrade Emmanuel Onwubike said his relationship with the association was defined by meaningful engagement rather than ceremonial appearances.
The late senator attended several of the association’s national human rights lectures, where he contributed to discussions on pressing national issues, offered suggestions and shared ideas on improving the effectiveness of human rights defenders and democratic institutions.
According to HURIWA, Mandiya demonstrated through these engagements that political office and human rights advocacy need not exist at opposite ends of the national conversation.
The association recalled that his interest in human rights issues remained evident even when he occupied public office, first as Chief of Staff to former Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari, and later as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria between 2019 and 2023.
HURIWA said Mandiya understood public service as a responsibility to the people rather than simply an avenue for the exercise of political authority.
“He understood that democracy must ultimately be measured by how effectively it protects human dignity, guarantees citizens’ rights and creates space for responsible public participation,” HURIWA said.
Before entering the Senate, Mandiya had also distinguished himself in journalism and media management.
He published a specialised magazine through which he promoted political dialogue and national unity.
HURIWA noted that his background in the media contributed significantly to his approach to public affairs, particularly his preference for intellectual engagement, dialogue and persuasion over needless confrontation.
His death has continued to attract tributes from political leaders and public figures.
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, described his passing as a great loss to Katsina State and Nigeria, while former Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, remembered him as a “thoroughbred lawmaker” who distinguished himself through diligence, intellect and a strong sense of responsibility, particularly while serving as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Water Resources.
Founder of Agora Policy and former Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Waziri Adio, also mourned the former senator, recalling that their friendship dated back to 1988.
HURIWA said the tributes surrounding Mandiya’s death reflected the breadth of his relationships across journalism, politics, governance and civil society.
The association extends its condolences to his family, the people of Katsina State, his former colleagues, political associates, friends and all Nigerians affected by his passing.
HURIWA believes that the most meaningful way to honour Senator Bello Mandiya is not merely to remember the offices he occupied, but to sustain the values he demonstrated — intellectual courage, political dialogue, national unity, responsible citizenship and respect for human dignity.
His death has silenced a voice that contributed to important national conversations, but HURIWA said the ideas he shared and the relationships he built within the human rights community would remain part of his enduring legacy.
HRIWA prayed Allah to forgive his shortcomings, grant him eternal rest and give his family, friends, colleagues and associates the strength to bear the loss.