Vice President Kashim Shettima has described the late former President Muhammadu Buhari as a sincere and justice-driven leader, whose legacy will endure in the annals of Nigerian and African history.
Shettima, who led a high-powered Federal Government delegation to the 3rd-day (Fidau) prayer for the late former President in Daura, Katsina State, said Buhari, even in death, had proved to the world that he was truly one of Africa’s greatest sons.
“Ibn Khaldun reminds us that the goal of civilisation is the attainment of justice. Justice is the bone that holds human society together. It was justice, as he understood it, that President Muhammadu Buhari pursued – often misunderstood, but always with sincerity”, Shettima remarked.
The Vice President, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the solemn occasion, offered prayers for the repose of the late leader’s soul, asking Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings and reward him with Aljannah.
According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said “in power, your friends know you; but out of power, you know your friends. In death, President Buhari has proved to the world that he is, indeed, one of the greatest sons of Africa”.
Shettima further conveyed President Tinubu’s personal grief over the loss of his friend and political soulmate.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina State for the support extended to the Federal Government delegation, noting that the Katsina Governor had stood by the team from London through to the funeral rites in Nigeria.
“As a government, we assure you that the Tinubu administration will continue to protect the image and dignity of the Buhari family and the entire people of Katsina State,” Shettima stated.
He disclosed that he would be returning to Abuja with members of the Buhari family for a special valedictory Federal Executive Council (FEC) session in honour of the late President.
In his tribute, Governor Radda praised Buhari as a man of honesty and service, whose dedication to the Nigerian project was beyond dispute.
He expressed the gratitude of the people of Katsina to President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for the immense honour accorded to the memory of the late leader.
“We, the people of Katsina State, do not have words enough to thank the Federal Republic of Nigeria. President Tinubu showed uncommon compassion and respect for our people by allowing 25 cabinet members, led by the Vice President, to be physically present with us. We are especially grateful for the public holiday declared on the day Buhari was laid to rest”, the Governor said.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, reaffirmed Buhari’s place in national history, noting that he belonged to Daura, Katsina, Nigeria, and the world.
“On behalf of the 25 ministers here, we appreciate the people of Daura and Katsina for the warmth and spiritual atmosphere of this event. We call on all Nigerians to continue praying for the repose of his soul,” Idris said.
Earlier, Islamic clerics led by Prof. Ali Pantami, former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, opened the Fidau prayer with reflections on the transient nature of life and the spiritual duty of constant prayers for the dead.
“Prayer for the departed should not be confined to a few days. It is a duty we must continuously uphold,” Pantami admonished.
Read Also: FG pledges to uphold Buhari’s legacy as Shettima, Sambo, others pay tribute in Daura
Minister of State for Agriculture, Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, also offered prayers on behalf of FEC members, asking Allah to “cover Buhari’s grave with mercy and admit him into Aljannah.”
Leading clerics who offered prayers included Prof. Ibrahim Makari of the Abuja National Mosque, Sheikh Yahaya Jingir, Mamman Musa, Khalifa Mohammad Nasir, and Malam Hassan Daura.
Bishop of Katsina was also present in a show of interfaith respect.
Among other notable dignitaries at the prayer session were former Vice President Namadi Sambo; Governors Babagana Zulum of Borno and Dikko Radda of Katsina; former SGF Ambassador Babagana Kingibe; former Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, SAN; Ambassador Adamu Daura; former Governors Aminu Masari (Katsina) and Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara); and former NSA Babagana Monguno.
Also in attendance were former DG of the National Intelligence Agency, Ahmed Rufai; business mogul Mohammed Indimi; Buhari’s nephew Mamman Daura; former FCT Minister Muhammad Bello; the Emirs of Katsina, Daura and Bade; and the Sultan of Maradi from Niger Republic, alongside thousands of mourners from all over the country.