FG committed to preserving Buhari’s legacy- Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured that the Federal Government will preserve the legacy of former President Muhammadu Buhari, uphold his values, and protect the dignity of his family.

The former president died on Sunday in London, England, and was buried according to Islamic rites in the compound premises of his private residence in Daura, Katsina State, on Tuesday afternoon.

Shettima spoke on Thursday at the late president’s residence in Daura, where prominent personalities and mourners gathered for a special prayer session in honour of Buhari.

The Vice President, who stood in for President Bola Tinubu, praised the late Buhari, describing him 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,” he said.

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On his part, Governor Dikko Radda expressed gratitude to the visiting dignitaries, the federal government, and the millions of Nigerians 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.

He called on Nigerian leaders to draw lessons from Buhari’s passing, saying, “Let this moment remind us all to fear God in our leadership.”

The second day prayer witnessed a distinguished gathering of political figures, religious leaders, traditional rulers and diplomats from across Nigeria and beyond.

Some of the prominent personalities at the event include 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, including Minister of Information Mohammed Idris, Minister of Budget and National Planning Abubakar Bagudu, Minister of Health Ali Pate, Minister of Agriculture Abubakar Kyari, and Minister of Defence Badaru Abubakar, were in attendance. 

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. Former federal ministers Hadi Sirika and Isa Ali Pantami were also present.

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 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, who is nephew of the late president, Lawal Kazaure (Chief of Protocol to the late President), and former presidential aspirant Bamanga Tukur were in attendance.

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The ceremony was honoured by the presence of the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Usman; Emir of Daura, Alhaji Faruk Umar; 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, Speaker of the State Assembly Rt. Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura, Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Garba Faskari, State APC Chairman, Sani Aliyu, and members of the State Executive Council.

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 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.

Immediately after the prayers, the Vice President and his federal delegation departed for Abuja to receive international delegations and foreign diplomats paying tribute to the late president, while Radda and state officials continued to receive mourners from all walks of life.