The Federal Government, leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and prominent opposition figures have rallied around former Zamfara State governor and Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari, following the death of his maternal aunt, Hajiya Rukiya Jibril.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, on Thursday led a high-powered Federal Government delegation to Talata Mafara, Zamfara State, to commiserate with Yari and his family.
Hajiya Rukiya was the immediate younger sister of Yari’s mother.
Delivering President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s condolence message, Akume assured Yari and his family of the Federal Government’s solidarity during their period of mourning.
The SGF described death as a transition and return to Allah, saying it occurs according to the divine will and wisdom of the Almighty.
He urged the bereaved family to draw strength from their faith and the knowledge that the deceased had completed her earthly journey.
Akume prayed Allah to forgive the deceased’s shortcomings, accept her good deeds and grant her eternal mercy among the righteous.
Responding, Yari thanked President Tinubu for the gesture of compassion and solidarity, as well as Akume and members of the delegation for travelling to Talata Mafara to identify with the family.
He described the visit as a source of comfort and encouragement to him and his family during the difficult period.
Yari also prayed for Allah’s continued guidance, protection and blessings upon the President, the SGF, members of the delegation and the Federal Government.
The former governor appealed to Nigerians to remember his late maternal aunt in their prayers and seek Allah’s forgiveness, mercy and peaceful repose for her soul.
Members of the Federal Government delegation included Niger State Governor, Umar Bago; APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru; former Imo State Governor, Senator Rochas Okorocha; and former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, among others.
The condolence visit also attracted prominent politicians from opposition parties, highlighting the broad political relationships surrounding the former Zamfara governor.
Former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, accompanied by Senator Abdul Ningi, attended the visit as representatives of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Similarly, Senator Tony Nwoye led a delegation of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) to Talata Mafara to condole with Yari and his family.
The gathering brought together serving and former government officials, as well as political leaders and chieftains from different platforms, who joined the Yari family in mourning Hajiya Rukiya Jibril.
