Northern Govs mourn demise of former Fin. minister, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji

• …Shettima, Ministers, others attend funeral prayer in Sokoto

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja and Bashir Rabe Mani, Sokoto

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

In a condolence message issued on behalf of the 19 northern governors, the Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, paid tribute to the late elder statesman, hailing his immense contributions to national development over several decades of public service.

The Forum recalled his distinguished service as Minister of National Planning and later Minister of Finance under General Ibrahim Babangida’s administration, where he played a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s economic policies.

Following his cabinet tenure, he was appointed Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom in 1992, representing the country with distinction.

As a direct descendant of Shehu Usmanu Danfodiyo, the late Sardaunan Sokoto was honored as a key custodian of the rich values and traditions of the Sokoto Caliphate.

Describing his death as a monumental loss to Sokoto State, the North, and the entire nation, the Northern Governors extended their sympathies to his immediate family, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sokoto Caliphate, and the government and people of Sokoto State.

Meanwhile, in accordance with Islamic rites, the late elder statesman who died in Abuja, was flown to his hometown of Sokoto and buried on the same day.

The funeral prayer was conducted at the Sultan Bello Juma’at Mosque, Sokoto, led by the Chief Imam, Sheikh Muhammad Bello Akwara.

The ceremony drew top political leaders, federal cabinet members, and royal fathers from across the nation.

Vice President, Kashim Shettima attended the funeral prayer on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Also, Ministers in attendance included the Minister of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu.

Equally, present include State and traditional leadership- Sokoto State Deputy Governor Engr. Idris Muhammad Gobir represented Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto (who is currently abroad), alongside the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, and Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Tukur Bala Bodinga.

“A patriot, administrator, and bridge builder whose contributions to national development will be long remembered,” dignitaries noted in tributes delivered during the interment.

They prayed to Almighty Allah (SWT) to forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal rest in Aljannat Firdaus.