The Northern Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NNGF) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Minister of Finance and Sardaunan Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, who died on Thursday in Abuja.
A condolence message issued by the Director-General Press Affairs, Government House Gombe, Ismaila Uba Misilli, quoted the Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, as describing the late statesman as an outstanding public servant whose decades of service left a lasting impact on Nigeria’s development.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya said Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji dedicated his life to national service, earning respect for his integrity, leadership and commitment to public administration.
The governor also noted that after leaving the cabinet, the late elder statesman was appointed Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom in 1992, where he continued to serve the country with distinction.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya further paid tribute to Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji’s royal heritage as a direct descendant of Shehu Usmanu Danfodiyo, saying he remained a respected custodian of the traditions and values of the Sokoto Caliphate throughout his lifetime.
“His passing is a painful loss to the North and the entire country. He devoted his life to the service of Nigeria and remained a source of wisdom and guidance to many generations of leaders,” the governor said.
On behalf of the governors of the 19 Northern states, Governor Inuwa Yahaya extended condolences to the family of the deceased, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sokoto Caliphate, the government and people of Sokoto State, as well as Nigerians mourning the elder statesman.
He prayed for Almighty Allah to forgive the late Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji’s shortcomings and grant him Aljannat Firdaus.