Vice President Kashim Shettima says the late former President Muhammadu Buhari pursued justice with utmost sincerity and remains one of Africa’s greatest sons, even in death.
The Vice President stated this on Thursday during the Fidau prayers for the repose of the former Nigerian leader at his residence in Daura, Katsina State.
“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.
“When you are in power, your friends know you; when you are out of power, you know your friends. In death, President Muhammadu Buhari has proved to the world that he is, indeed, the greatest son of Africa. May Allah grant his soul eternal rest and reward him with Aljannah. May Allah forgive his shortcomings,” the Vice President prayed.
Speaking on behalf of President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima thanked Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda for the warm reception and support given to the Federal Government delegation.
“We have been together with the Governor right from London to Nigeria. He gave a warm reception and all the necessary support,” he said, adding that President Tinubu is personally pained by the loss of his friend, brother, and political soulmate.
The Vice President assured that the Nigerian Government under President Tinubu “will continue to protect the image and dignity of Buhari’s family and the entire people of Katsina State.”
Governor Radda described the late President Buhari as a selfless leader whose honesty and integrity were beyond dispute.
He thanked President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for honouring Buhari’s memory.
“We, the people of Katsina State, don’t have a word to thank the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has shown compassion and respect for the people of Katsina State and the nation entirely. Tinubu has allowed 25 members of his cabinet, under the leadership of Vice President Shettima, to be in Katsina State. The 25 ministers supported us at this trying moment, and we also thank the President for declaring a public holiday on the day Buhari was laid to rest,” the Governor said.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, said the late Buhari holds a significant place in Nigeria’s history and urged Nigerians to keep praying for him.
“We want to thank all of you on behalf of the 25 ministers, as directed by Mr President, for finding time to offer prayers for our President and also participate in this national assignment. Indeed, former President Buhari belongs to Daura, Katsina, Nigeria, and the world,” he said.
Former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Professor Ali Pantami, who opened the prayer session, emphasised the need for continuous prayers for the departed.
Minister of State for Agriculture, Aliyu Abudullahi, who spoke on behalf of the Federal Executive Council, prayed Almighty Allah to envelop Buhari’s grave with mercy and admit him into Aljannah.
Islamic scholars who offered prayers included Professor Ibrahim Makari of the Abuja National Mosque; Sheikh Yahaya Jingir; Bishop of Katsina Mamman Musa; Khalifa Mohammad Nasir; and Malam Hassan Daura.
Among other dignitaries present were former Vice President Namadi Sambo; Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babagana Kingibe; former Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami; and former Katsina State Governor Aminu Masari.
PIAK