****Clerics pray for repose of ex-President’s soul at third day Fidau
The Federal Government assured on Thursday that it would uphold the dignity and image of the Buhari family.
The assurance was given by the government during the three-day prayer for the repose of the soul of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura, Katsina State.
Acknowledging Buhari’s commitment to national development, the government charged Nigerians not to allow his vision for the country to fade.
“As a government, we assure you that the Tinubu administration will continue to protect the image and dignity of the Buhari family and the entire people of Katsina State,” said Vice-President Kashim Shettima, who led a team comprising 25 ministers to the solemn occasion.
Stating that Buhari served the nation with commitment, advised that as Nigerians, ”we must not let that vision fade.”
Shettima expressed Tinubu’s appreciation to Governor Dikko Radda for the support his administration extended to the Federal Government delegation to Buhari’s burial on Tuesday.
“Buhari served this country with commitment, and we must not let that vision fade,” Shettima added.
The Vice President described Buhari as a sincere and justice-driven leader, whose legacy will endure in the annals of Nigerian and African history.
He added that the former President, even in death, had proved to the world that he was truly one of Africa’s greatest sons.
“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,” Shettima remarked.
He offered prayers for the repose of the late leader’s soul, asking Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings and reward him with Aljannah.
Waxing philosophical, Shettima said, “In power, your friends know you; but out of power, you know your friends.
‘’In death, President Buhari has proved to the world that he is, indeed, one of the greatest sons of Africa”.
In his tribute, Governor Radda praised Buhari as a man of honesty and service, whose dedication to the Nigerian project was beyond dispute.
The governor expressed the gratitude of the people of Katsina State to President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for the honour accorded to the memory of the late leader.
He said: “We, the people of Katsina State, do not have enough words to thank the Federal Republic of Nigeria. President Tinubu showed uncommon compassion and respect for our people by allowing 25 cabinet members, led by the Vice President, to be physically present with us.
‘’We are especially grateful for the public holiday declared on the day Buhari was laid to rest.”
Information and National Orientation Minister Mohammed Idris reaffirmed Buhari’s place in national history, noting that he belonged to Daura, Katsina, Nigeria and the world.
“On behalf of the 25 ministers here, we appreciate the people of Daura and Katsina for the warmth and spiritual atmosphere of this event. We call on all Nigerians to continue praying for the repose of his soul,” Idris said.
Islamic clerics led by a former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy Ali Pantami, opened the Fida’u with reflections on the transient nature of life and the spiritual duty of constant prayers for the dead.
“Prayer for the departed should not be confined to a few days. It is a duty we must continuously uphold,” Pantami admonished.
Minister of State for Agriculture Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi also offered prayers on behalf of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) members. He asked Allah to “cover Buhari’s grave with mercy and admit him into Aljannah.”
Leading clerics who offered prayers included Prof. Ibrahim Makari of the Abuja National Mosque, Sheikh Yahaya Jingir, Mamman Musa, Khalifa Nasir and Malam Hassan Daura.
Bishop of Katsina Catholic Diocese also attended the session in a show of interfaith respect.
Some of the ministers that accompanied Shettima to Daura are Atiku Bagudu (Budget and National Planning), Ali Pate (Health), Abubakar Kyari(Agriculture) and Badaru Abubakar (Defence).
Other notable dignitaries at the prayer session included former Vice President Namadi Sambo; Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Babagana Kingibe; former Justice Minister Abubakar Malami; Ambassador Adamu Daura; former governors Aminu Masari (Katsina) and Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara), as well as a former National Security Adviser (NSA) , Babagana Monguno.
Also in attendance were former Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ahmed Rufai; business mogul Mohammed Indimi; Buhari’s nephew, Mamman Daura; former Federal Capital Territory Minister Muhammad Bello; the Emirs of Katsina, Daura and Bade.
The Sultan of Maradi, Niger Republic and thousands of mourners also attended.
