Serving Senators from the North, have expressed their deep sadness over the demise of Sardauna of Sokoto , Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji ( Triple A) , who died on Thursday in Abuja at the age of 91 after a brief illness .
The federal lawmakers in a statement signed by chairman of the Northern Senators’ Forum , Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua in Abuja on Friday , said news of passing of the late distinguished public servant and elder statesman , was received by them with heavy hearts .
The statement reads in part: ” Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji returned to his Creator on Thursday in Abuja at the age of 87. We received the news with heavy hearts, but with total submission to the will of Almighty Allah.
“The life of the late Sardaunan Sokoto was defined by patriotism and dedication to community service.
“He served Nigeria with distinction in various capacities, including as Minister of State for Budget and Planning in 1988, Minister of Finance between 1990 and 1991, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom from 1992 to 1996.
“As a career civil servant who rose to the position of Permanent Secretary, he brought integrity, discipline and diligence to the Ministries of Finance, Trade, Industries and National Planning.
“As Sardaunan Sokoto since 1990, succeeding the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, he embodied leadership with humility. He served as a bridge between government, the traditional institution and the people, and held the revered title with honour until his last days”.
The federal lawmakers added that the deceased would be remembered as a patriot, an accomplished administrator and a bridge-builder whose contributions to nation building will endure for generations.
They pray to the Almighty Allah to the soul of the departed , Jannatul Firdaus and gives his immediate family, the Sokoto Caliphate and the entire nation , the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss just as they extend their sincere condolences to the family, the government and people of Sokoto State, and to all Nigerians on the great loss.