Distinguished gathering of political figures, religious leaders, traditional rulers and diplomats from across Nigeria and beyond have again gathered for the second special prayer session in honour of late President Muhammadu Buhari, this morning at his residence in Daura, Katsina State.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, delivered a heartfelt address, praising the late Buhari as "one of the greatest sons of Africa," whose life was marked by discipline, sacrifice, and integrity.
"In power, your friends know you. Out of power, you know your friends. In death, President Muhammadu Buhari has reminded the world of the value of honour," Shettima remarked.
He assured the late president's family and the people of Katsina that the Federal Government remains committed to preserving his legacy, pledging on behalf of President Tinubu to uphold Buhari's values and protect his family's dignity.
Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda expressed deep gratitude to the visiting dignitaries, the Federal Government, and the people of Nigeria for their solidarity and compassion.
"We thank President Tinubu for his empathy and for assigning 25 ministers to remain in Katsina since the passing of our father and leader. Their presence speaks volumes," Radda said.
Governor Radda also called on all Nigerian leaders to draw lessons from Buhari's passing: "Let this moment remind us all to fear God in our leadership."
The ceremony was graced by former President of Benin Republic Thomas Boni Yayi, former Nigerian Vice President Namadi Sambo, and former Vice President's wife Dolapo Osinbajo.
Several senior federal ministers attended, including Minister of Information Mohammed Idris, Minister of Budget and National Planning Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Health Ali Pate, Minister of Agriculture Abubakar Kyari, and Minister of Defence Badaru Abubakar. Former federal ministers Hadi Sirika and Isa Ali Pantami were also present.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State joined the gathering, alongside Senators Abdulaziz Yar'adua and Sani Zangon Daura, and House of Representatives members Hon. Usman Murtala Banye and Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu (General).
The event also witnessed the attendance of NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd), former Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), former IGPs Abubakar Sama'ila and Muhammad Dahiru Abubakar, former Customs Comptroller-General Hameed Ali, and former DG NIA Ahmed Rufai Abubakar. Heads of Nigeria's top security agencies, including the leadership of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), were present.
Special Adviser to the President Yau Darazo, Mamman Daura (nephew of the late President), Lawal Kazaure (Chief of Protocol to the late President) were in attendance.
The ceremony was honored by the presence of the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumin Kabir Usman; Emir of Daura, Alhaji Faruk Umar Faruk; Emir of Bade; Sultan of Maradi (Niger Republic) Sultan Ahmed Ali Zaki Maremawa; along with kingmakers and district heads from the Katsina and Daura Emirates.
Governor Radda was joined by a full state delegation including Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal Jobe, Speaker of the State Assembly Rt. Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura, Secretary to the State Government Abdullahi Garba Faskari, State APC Chairman Alhaji Sani Aliyu Daura, and members of the Katsina State Executive Council. Former FUDMA Vice Chancellor Professor Armaya'u Bichi was also present.
The prayer session was led by a delegation of renowned Islamic scholars, including Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau (National Chairman of Jama'atu Izalatul Bid'ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah), Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir (National Chairman of the Council of Ulama), Sheikh Kabir Muhammad Haruna (National Secretary General of JIBWIS), Sheikh Ahmad Sulaiman Ibrahim, and Sheikh Ibrahim Ahmad Maqary (Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja).
Also present were Sheikh Isa Ali Pantami (former Minister of Communications), Yakubu Musa Sautus Sunnah of Katsina, Sheikh Mustafa (Chief Imam of Katsina Central Mosque), Sheikh Naxiru Kofar Faru Daura, and Malam Hassan Daura. Bishop Gerald Musa of the Catholic Diocese of Katsina offered prayers on behalf of the Christian community, reflecting the unity and shared grief that transcended faiths.
As the Vice President and his federal delegation departed for Abuja to receive international delegations and foreign diplomats paying tribute to the late President, Governor Radda and state officials remained in Katsina to continue receiving mourners from all walks of life.
May Allah grant President Muhammadu Buhari eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdaus.
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