Accra, Nov. 7, GNA - Members of Parliament (MP) on Friday observed that the late Bukari Kpegilaa Adama, a veteran politician, former MP and Minister of Defence in the Busia Administration in 1969, died a pauper." The MPs were paying tribute to the late Politician, affectionately known in political circles as BK on the occasion of his death, which occurred on November 3, 2003 at the 37 Military Hospital after a short illness.

Mr John Mahama, NDC Bole, noted that during his last years on earth, BK lived the life of a pauper, saying that he was often spotted walking on the streets of Accra, often in a state that did not befit a former Minister of State, indicative of his uncomfortable socio-economic situation.

"During his last years on earth, I personally often spotted him at various areas in Accra and gave him lift in my car on several occasions because though he was a former Minister of Defence he did not have a car," he said.

He called on the Government to put structures in place to take care of statesmen in their old age, saying that though BK belonged to the United Party (UP) tradition, he contributed immensely to the entire political spectrum of the country.

"His examples of modesty, honesty and firmness were rare and worth copying," he said.

Mr Cletus Avoka, NDC Bawku West, said BK was a principled, modest and honest person, adding that he maintained his faithfulness and commitment to the UP tradition at a time when several politicians crossed carpet in Parliament.

"His honesty, stems from the fact that he was never in his long political career accused of acquiring assets illegally though he was not rich," he said.

"Indeed he was so modest he lived among his people in Nima-Mamobi area till his death,"

Mr Isaac G. Amoo, NPP Ayawaso West-Wuogon, said present day politicians must emulate BK and come into politics with a mind to serve and live modest, other than bossing their position on their constituents and having luxurious life styles.

He said though BK was a founding member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), he never interfered with the work of its National Executive, but rather encouraged members to give their full support to it.

"BK was committed to the party, family, people and the entire nation," he said. "He is the perfect example of a politician and young politicians have a lot to learn from his example."

Alhaji M. A. Seidu, NDC Wa Central, said BK was born around 1925 to a royal family of Yijiihi, one of the gates of Wala Traditional Area at Busah, a village about 15kilometres from Wa.

He said he was among the first generation of educated people in the North, adding that he pursued his education to Tamale Teacher Training College, where he was sacked for inciting his colleagues to rebel against the authorities for insisting that teacher trainees wore smocks to class.

He later worked with the Medical Field Unit (MFU), through which he developed the interest in partisan politics and thereby became a founding member of the Northern People's Party (NPP), which then became one of the components of the UP.

During the days of the CPP administration, BK went into exile, returned during the Busia Administration and was elected into Parliament and appointed Minister of Defence.

BK became popular when due to his firmness and principled nature a newspaper during the First Republic boldly said in a headline: "Adama is Adamant".

Mr Ken Dzirassah, Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, expressed condolences to the family of the Veteran Politician.