By Salisu Sani-Idris

A three-day (Fida’u) prayer was on Thursday offered for the repose of the soul of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari who died on Sunday in a London hospital.

The prayer session, which took place at Buhari’s residence in Daura, was attended by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, former Vice-President Namadi Sambo, Gov. Dikko Radda and the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Amb. Babagana Kingibe.

Also present were the Emirs of Katsina, Daura, Bade, Sultan of Maradi from Niger Republic, former Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN and Amb. Adamu Daura.

The prayer also had former Gov. Aminu Masari, Sen. Abdulaziz Yar’adua and the former National Security Adviser to the President, Babagana Munguno.

Others were the former Director-General, National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Amb. Ahmed Rufai, Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno, business magnet, Alhaji Mohammed Indimi, Buhari’s nephew, Alhaji Mamman Daura, former FCT Minister, Muhammad Bello and thousands of sympathisers from various walks of life.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the prayer session was opened by the former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Prof. Ali Pantami.

Pantami emphasised the need for constant prayers for all the departed souls including the late Buhari, stating that prayer for the departed souls should not be restricted to a number of days.

Other scholars who offered prayer included Prof. Ibrahim Makari of the Abuja National Mosque, Sheikh Yahaya Jingir, Bishop of Katsina, Mamman Musa, Khalifa Mohammad Nasir and Malam Hassan Daura, among others.

Similarly, the Minister of State Agriculture, Sen. Aliyu Abudullahi, on behalf of the members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), prayed to Allah to cover the grave of Buhari with mercy and admit him into Aljannah.

In his remarks, Shettima said, “Ibn Khaldun reminds us that the goal of civilisation is the attainment of justice, for 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.

“When you are in power, your friends know you, when you are out of power you know your friends.

“In death, President Muhammadu Buhari has proved to the world that he is indeed the greatest son of Africa.

“May Allah grant his soul eternal rest and reward him with Aljannah. May Allah forgive his shortcomings. “

The vice-president, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, expressed gratitude to Radda for the reception and kind gesture accorded to the Federal Government delegation throughout their stayed in the state.

“We have been together with the Governor right from London to Nigeria. He gave a warm reception and all the necessary support,” he said.

According to him, Tinubu is personally pained by loss of his friend, brother and political soul mate Buhari.

Shettima assured that the Federal Government, under the leadership of Tinubu, would continue to protect the image and dignity of Buhari’s family and the entire people of Katsina State.

The vice-president revealed that he would proceed to Abuja with the family of late Buhari to attend a Special Valedictory Federal Executive Council (FEC) in honour of the deceased.

Earlier, Radda said the deceased rendered selfless service to the nation, adding that nobody disputed the fact that he was an honest and just person.

He thanked Tinubu and the vice-president for honouring the remains of late Buhari, saying, “we the people of Katsina state, we don’t have a word to thank the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“We appreciate President Tinubu who has shown compassion, respect for the people of Katsina State and the nation entirely.

“Tinubu has allowed 25 members of his cabinet under the leadership of the vice-president Shettima to be in Katsina State.

“The 25 ministers supported us at this trying moment and we also thank the President for declaring public holiday on the day Buhari was laid to rest.”

Also, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, said late Buhari has an important place in the national history of Nigeria.

He, therefore, appealed to all Nigerians to continue to pray for the repose of the soul of Buhari as being reminded by Islamic clerics.

“We want to thank all of you on behalf of the 25 ministers as directed by Mr President, for finding time to offer prayers to our President and also participate in these national assignments.

“Because, indeed former President Buhari belongs to Daura, Katsina, Nigeria and indeed belongs to the world,” the minister said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani