Former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, has died.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that the elder statesman passed away on Thursday morning at a hospital in Abuja after receiving medical treatment.
According to a source, the former diplomat had been undergoing treatment before his death but did not provide further details on the nature of his illness.
Alhaji served as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and was widely respected for his contributions to public service, diplomacy and national development. During his years in public office, he played key roles in representing Nigeria’s interests abroad and was recognised for his commitment to the country’s development.
As of the time of filing this report, members of his family had yet to issue an official statement on his passing.
The death comes about two weeks after the vice-presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rotimi Amaechi, announced the passing of his mother, Mrs. Mary Amaechi.
In a statement issued by Amaechi’s media office, the late Mrs. Amaechi was described as “a cherished matriarch who held her family together in love, peace and unity.”
The statement added, “She was a community women leader and Christian leader, whose belief and faith in God was firm and resolute. She was loved and highly respected in her community, and will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, and unwavering support for those around her and beyond.”
Amaechi and his family also expressed appreciation for the support and condolences they received following her death.
“Rt Hon. Amaechi and the entire family are profoundly grateful for the outpouring of condolences and love already being shown them during this difficult time,” the statement said.
The family noted that funeral arrangements would be announced in due course while requesting continued prayers and support from friends, associates and well-wishers.
Amaechi’s bereavement also came only days after the African Democratic Congress governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, announced the death of his mother, Nkechi Stella Rhodes-Vivour.
On Wednesday, The presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi and Amaechi, met in Lagos, as they attended the funeral service held in honour of the late Nkechi Rhodes-Vivour.
The two opposition figures were among family members, political associates, friends and sympathisers who gathered to pay their final respects to the deceased, whose passing was announced earlier this month.
Their appearance at the funeral comes a day after Obi attended the Service of Songs organised in memory of Rhodes-Vivour’s mother, where he paid tribute to the deceased and offered words of encouragement to the bereaved family.
Speaking during the service, Obi reflected on the loss and urged those present to live upright lives.
“I will ever have an opportunity of being in this type of sad situation when people are paying wonderful, good tributes of people?
“I say maybe God has a reason why God is taking the best out of us. Because I always say if God was looking for bad people in Nigeria, He would be overwhelmed.
“So if He takes the good one, it’s just to allow those who are remaining to be able to change their ways.
“So may God continue to be with this family and bless them always. And all of us, God bless all of you.”
Obi’s attendance at the memorial events came after some supporters criticised him on social media for not publicly reacting immediately after the death of Rhodes-Vivour’s mother was announced