Hon. Shima Ayati, a former Special Assistant to the President attached to the Office of Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has died after a brief illness in Makurdi, the Benue state capital.
Ayati, a grassroots politician and author, served closely with former Vice President Atiku during the Obasanjo administration for four years and was retained for another term.
However, following a fallout between President Olusegun Obasanjo and Vice President Atiku, Ayati was unceremoniously removed from his role.
He later served as the Chairman of the Zakibiam Relief Committee under then-Governor George Akume of Benue State, where he organized the distribution of food and non-food items to thousands of displaced Tiv people in 2003.
Confirming his death, Ahangba Ayati, a family member, revealed that Hon. Ayati passed away on Saturday after a brief illness. He described him as an easygoing man who retired from politics to focus on his businesses and lived a quiet life.
The family has promised to announce burial arrangements soon.
The late Shima Ayati hailed from Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.