Vice President Kashim Shettima has described the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari as a profound loss, not only to his family and the people of Daura and Katsina State but to Nigeria as a whole and the entire African continent.
Shettima also conveyed that President Bola Tinubu is “personally pained” by the death of his predecessor.
The Vice President made these remarks after offering prayers for the repose of Buhari’s soul at the late leader’s residence in Daura, Katsina State.
He noted that President Tinubu sent him to London to visit the late President before his demise, and subsequently directed him and the Chief of Staff to accompany Buhari’s body back to Nigeria.
Shettima highlighted that messages of condolence have poured in from various parts of the world, extended to Tinubu over the sad event.
He reflected on the universal nature of death, emphasising that it is an inevitable destiny for all.
“The President was personally pained by the loss,” Shettima stated, adding that in consultation with Tinubu, the Buhari family, and the Katsina State Government, it was unanimously agreed that a formal prayer session would be held in Daura on Thursday, July 17, at noon.
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Shettima acknowledged that the late former President was no ordinary individual, and as such, Nigerians from all walks of life are welcome to offer their condolences to the Katsina State Government and the Buhari family.
He clarified that while the Katsina State Governor and Buhari’s family members will remain in Daura to receive condolences, the formal mourning ceremony would conclude on Thursday based on the aforementioned consultations.
Earlier, Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda echoed Shettima’s sentiments, describing Buhari’s death as a great loss to Katsina, the nation, and Africa.
Governor Radda urged leaders across all levels to uphold Buhari’s legacies of transparency, honesty, and accountability, stressing that “Buhari lived and died for the people.”
He also appealed to all Nigerians to continue praying for the late former President’s soul and thanked President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for their presence and honour.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, also paid tribute to the late leader’s virtues.
“We are here to pray for the repose of the soul of our former leader, President Muhammadu Buhari. May Allah accept his soul,” he said, noting that President Tinubu was among those who witnessed the burial in Buhari’s compound on Tuesday.
Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, Minister of Labour and Employment, who served closely with Buhari in his cabinet, lauded the late President’s high sense of leadership and integrity.
“Late former President Buhari tried his best to fight corruption at all levels of government. We also tried our best to improve the quality of the Nigerian economy,” Dingyadi stated, praying for Al-Jannah for the departed leader.
The prayer session and condolence visit saw a large gathering of dignitaries, including Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari; Minister of Environment, Alhaji Balarabe Abbas; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu; Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); and Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud.
Also present were the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Prince Shaibu Abubakar; Minister of State for Works, Barrister Bello Goronyo; 2023 Labour Party Presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi; former SGF, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; former Director General of National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Rufai Ahmed; former Minister of Aviation, and others.
