Northern Governors mourn former Finance Minister, Alhaji Alhaji

• Hail his contribution to national development

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

The Northern Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NNGF) has expressed grief over the demise of former Minister of Finance and Sardaunan Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, who passed away in the early hours of Thursday in Abuja.

The NNGF expressed the grief in a condolence message issued by the Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.

The Northern Governors described the late Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji as an accomplished public servant and respected elder statesman, who made immense contributions to national development through decades of exemplary service.

The Forum recalled that Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji served with distinction as Minister of National Planning and later Minister of Finance during the administration of General Ibrahim Babangida, where he played significant roles in shaping Nigeria’s economic policies. Following his ministerial service, he was appointed Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom in 1992, further serving the nation with honour and distinction.

The NNGF further paid glowing tribute to the late diplomat’s rich heritage as a direct descendant of Shehu Usmanu Danfodiyo, noting that beyond his distinguished career in public service, he remained a respected custodian of the values and traditions of the Sokoto Caliphate.

The death of Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, the Northern Governors said, ” s a huge loss not only to his family and the people of Sokoto State but also to Northern Nigeria and the nation, which benefited immensely from his vast experience, exemplary leadership and invaluable counsel”.

The Governors of the 19 Northern States extended their heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of the deceased, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the entire Sokoto Caliphate, the Government and people of Sokoto State, as well as all Nigerians mourning the loss of the eminent elder statesman.

They prayed Almighty Allah (SWT) to forgive the shortcomings of the late Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji and reward his lifetime of service with Aljannat Firdaus.