From:Femi Oyelola in Kaduna
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has pledged to establish a foundation in honor of the late Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, aimed at promoting the inter-religious harmony for which the esteemed Islamic scholar was known during his lifetime.
The Governor made this commitment on Sunday while leading a 30-member delegation on a condolence visit to the family of the late Tijjaniyya leader, who passed away on November 27, at his family home in Bauchi.
During the visit, the Governor stated that the Kaduna State Government would form a committee that includes members of the late Sheikh’s family, his students, and various stakeholders to work out the details of the foundation.
He emphasized that although Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi hailed from Bauchi State, Kaduna State will honor him more than any other state due to his invaluable contributions to Islam, good governance, and peaceful coexistence.
“I used to consult our late leader, and whatever advice he provided had positive outcomes. I am closely connected to the late Sheikh’s family, and we have maintained a cordial relationship with them,” he said.
Governor Uba Sani promised, “We will continue his efforts to unite Muslims and ensure harmony among adherents of different religions, not only in Kaduna State but throughout the country.”
In his remarks, the Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Alhaji Mohammed Auwal Jatau, noted that Governor Uba Sani was in China on an official assignment at the time Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi passed away.
He mentioned that the Governor had called his Bauchi State counterpart, Senator Bala Mohammed, from China to express his condolences.
“I want to disclose that Governor Uba Sani also constituted a special committee in Kaduna to receive condolences from students and well-wishers of the late Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi,” he added.
Responding on behalf of the family, the late cleric’s son, Khalifa Sayyid Ibrahim Dahiru Bauchi, reiterated that the Governor had always been close to the deceased, even before assuming the office of the Governor of Kaduna State.
“This is your home. As soon as the news of the death was announced, we spoke on the phone. You also sent representatives to attend the funeral prayer, and afterwards, you sent a delegation of Malams to condole with us.
“Today, you have come to pay us a condolence visit. This reflects the high esteem in which you held the late Sheikh. May Allah (SWT) bless you and grant you your heart’s desires,” he added.
Khalifa Sayyid Ibrahim also expressed gratitude to Governor Uba Sani, on behalf of the deceased’s 82 children, for promising to rebuild their grandfather’s residence, where Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi grew up.
Among those in Governor Uba Sani’s delegation were the Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Dahiru Liman, the National President of Fityanul Islam of Nigeria (FIN), Sheikh Dr. Muhammad Arabi Abul Fath, and Dr. Musa Muhammad from Borno (Deputy National Chairman, Fityanul Islam).
Others included Engr. Mansur Nakande from Plateau State (Secretary-General, Fityanul Islam); Sheikh Salaudeen Inyas; Saiyyida Fatima from Niger State (National Women Leader, Fityanul Islam); Hajia Hadiza Muhammad (National Women Secretary, Fityanul Islam); and the Kaduna State Chairman of Fityanul Islam, Sheikh Rabiu Abdullahi.
The delegation also featured Sheikh Abdulkarim Hashim (Chief Imam, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi Mosque, Kaduna); Sheikh Sharu Danlami (National Chairman, Quddamun Nabiyyu); Sheikh Salisu Maibarota; Sheikh Aminu Kasim Kafanchan; Sheikh Ibrahim Mahe; and Sheikh Nasiru G. Shehu Dahiru, along with other senior officials from the Kaduna State Government and the State Chairmen of Fityanul Islam from various states, including Kano, Borno, Adamawa, Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara, Jigawa, Niger, and Bauchi.
