Mamman DauraThe most senior member of the Buhari’s family, elder Mamman Daura has expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for the great roles he and his government have played since the death of the former President, Muhammadu Buhari in London on July 13.
Daura, in a statement today, July 20, by the family’s spokesperson, Malam Garba Shehu, said that such roles “have instilled confidence in all of us to face this loss with courage. We are deeply grateful to the President on his thoughtful gestures in declaring a public holiday and renaming the University of Maiduguri after Buhari.
“It is truly comforting to receive such support from the President.”
Also expressing gratitude to many others that participated in Buhari’s burial and prayers, the family head singled out the First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, as well as the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamela both of who went to the United Kingdom to bring the remains of the deceased.
“Our gratitude also goes to leaders of the various countries around the globe who either came in person, sent representatives, sent letters, or placed personal telephone calls to commiserate with us.
“Of special note were those of the King of England, King Charles 111, the Secretary General of the United Nations, the Deputy Secretary General, Amina Mohammed, the Chairman of the African Union, and that of the Committee of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS countries, and our former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar.
“Muhammadu Buhari’s demise is an irreparable loss and its pain is beyond words, but the general reaction and kind expressions give us the strength to cope with the loss of our esteemed family member and former leader of the country.
“The family is equally grateful to Vice President Kashim Shettima in his own person and his wife, and to all state governors, especially those of Katsina, the host governor, Dr Dikko Umar Radda; Professor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State and all those who visited us in the UK and Daura from Adamawa, Kano, Kwara, Lagos, Kaduna, Imo, Nassarawa, Bauchi, Sokoto, Kebbi as well as several former governors, including Dr. Peter Obi for their compassionate words of condolence. “Your empathy has touched our hearts deeply, and we are truly grateful for your kindness.
“We express our deep appreciations to former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar, Architect Namadi Sambo, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, and Ambassador Babagana Kingibe as well as to the President of Senate, Godswill Akpabio, the Speaker, House of Representatives, Honourable Tajuddeen Abbas, Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin and other leaders and members of the National and State Assemblies.
“We do sincerely thank the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume and his predecessor in office, Boss Mustapha, the current Chief of Staff, Honorable Femi Gbajabiamila and his predecessor, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, former and serving members of the cabinet in both administrations for their activities in these events and their comforting words.
“We are very pleased with the amazing gestures of our traditional leaders, notably the Sultan of Sokoto, the Shehu of Borno, the Emir of Gwandu and the host emirs of Katsina and Daura, as well as the various emirs and chiefs from all over Nigeria and the neighboring countries who came in person or sent representatives.
“We have been honoured by the large turnout of religious leaders, Islamic, Christian and of other faiths, community leaders, women, youth and politicians of various leanings whose surge in Daura was both challenging and reassuring.
“The family in Daura is also thanking past and serving security and intelligence, police and military leaders, permanent secretaries, and the rank and file civil servants, community groups and associations, civil society, and the media of communications.
“The family expresses its appreciation to the nation’s business leaders who visited Daura, in the persons of Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Abdul Samad Isyaka Rabi’u, Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi, Alhaji Dahiru Mangal, Kola Adesina and Nasiru Danu.
“We also take this opportunity to thank the entire citizens of this country and those of other nations represented by their missions in Nigeria.
“All of Nigerians came out in force to bury Buhari and condole with us and pray for him. We are deeply grateful for the visits, the condolence messages, and prayers on him. We are thankful to all.
“We respect your prayers as I and the family go through this period. May the Almighty Allah bless and reward you all.”
