- …as family sends appreciation to Tinubu, world leaders, others
Muslim clerics and political figures across religious and political lines gathered in Abuja on Sunday for a special 8th-day Fidau prayer in honour of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who recently passed away.
The solemn prayer session, held at the Ansar-ud-Deen Mosque in Maitama, featured Qur’anic recitations and a sermon on the virtues of integrity and honesty in leadership.
Leading the du’a, the Chief Imam of the mosque, Dr. Musa Olaofe, described the late Buhari as an embodiment of integrity, dedication, and humility.
He prayed for Allah (SWT) to forgive his shortcomings, comfort his family, and grant him eternal rest.
“Allah has done well for Buhari. In a country like Nigeria, living beyond 80 years is a blessing. We thank Allah for his life,” Dr. Olaofe said.
“We pray that Allah forgives our father, General Muhammadu Buhari, who ruled this country and loved it more than himself.”
In her remarks, former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Hajia Sa’adiya Umar-Faruk, encouraged Nigerians to reflect on Buhari’s legacy and emulate his values.
“Every Nigerian is expected to pray for him and continue to do our best to follow his example,” she said.
Also speaking, former Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, praised the late president’s unwavering commitment to service.
“Whatever may be said about him, Buhari’s integrity and honesty were undeniable. He lived for Nigeria.”
The convener of the du’a session, Alhaji Nasiru Haladu Danu, the Sardaunan Dutse, said the late president had laid a template for leadership that future leaders must follow.
Dignitaries present at the event included former Minister of Transportation, Chief Rotimi Amaechi; Senator Hadi Sirika; Hajia Sa’adiya Umar-Faruk; and several other prominent figures.
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Meanwhile, the Buhari family has expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and world leaders for their support during their period of grief.
A statement issued by Malam Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the late president, quoted the eldest family member, Malam Mamman Daura, as acknowledging the heartfelt condolences.
He particularly commended President Tinubu and the First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, for their unwavering support before and after the passing of the former leader.
The statement reads, “It is truly comforting to receive such support from the President and the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, who went to the United Kingdom, and here in Daura, for the days he and the ministers during the mourning period. These have instilled confidence in all of us to face this loss with courage.
“We are deeply grateful to the President on his thoughtful gestures in declaring a public holiday and renaming the University of Maiduguri after Buhari.
“Our gratitude also goes to leaders of the various countries around the globe who either came in person, sent representatives, sent letters, or placed personal telephone calls to commiserate with us. Of special note were those of the King of England, King Charles 111, the Secretary General of the United Nations, the Deputy Secretary General, Amina Mohammed, the Chairman of the African Union, and that of the Committee of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS countries, and our former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar.
“Muhammadu Buhari’s demise is an irreparable loss and its pain is beyond words, but the general reaction and kind expressions give us the strength to cope with the loss of our esteemed family member and former leader of the country.
“The family is equally grateful to Vice President Kashim Shettima in his own person and his wife, and to all state governors, especially those of Katsina, the host governor Dr Dikko Umar Radda; Professor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State and all those who visited us in the UK and Daura from Adamawa, Kano,Kwara, Lagos, Kaduna, Imo, Nassarawa, Bauchi, Sokoto, Kebbi as well as the several former governors, including Dr Peter Obi for their compassionate words of condolence. Your empathy has touched our hearts deeply, and we are truly grateful for your kindness.
“We express our deep appreciations to former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar, Architect Namadi Sambo, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, and Ambassador Babagana Kingibe as well as to the President of Senate, Godswill Akpabio, the Speaker, House of Representatives, Honorable Tajuddeen Abbas, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and the other leaders and members of the National and State Assemblies.
“We do sincerely thank the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume and his predecessor in office, Boss Mustapha, the current Chief of Staff, Honorable Femi Gbajabiamila and his predecessor, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, former and serving members of the cabinet in both administrations for their activities in these events and their comforting words.
“We are very pleased with the amazing gestures of our traditional leaders, notably the Sultan of Sokoto, the Shehu of Borno, the Emir of Gwandu and the host emirs of Katsina and Daura, as well as the various emirs and chiefs from all over Nigeria and the neighboring countries who came in person or sent representatives.
“We have been honored by the large turnout of religious leaders, Islamic, Christian and of other faiths, community leaders, women, youth and politicians of various leanings whose surge in Daura was both challenging and reassuring.
The family in Daura is also thanking past and serving security and intelligence, police and military leaders, permanent secretaries, and the rank and file civil servants, community groups and associations, civil society, and the media of communications.
“The expresses it appreciation to the nation’s business leaders who visited Daura in the persons of Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Abdul Samad Isyaka Rabi’u, Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi, Alhaji Dahiru Mangal, Kola Adesina and Nasiru Danu.
“We also take this opportunity to thank the entire citizens of this country and those of other nations represented by their missions in Nigeria.
“All of Nigeria came out in force to bury Buhari and condole with us and pray for him. We are deeply grateful for the visits, the condolence messages, and prayers on him. We are thankful to all.
“We respect your prayers as I and the family go through this period. May the Almighty Allah bless and reward you all.”