A solemn three-day Fida’u prayer was held on Thursday at the residence of former President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura, Katsina State, following his passing on Sunday in a London hospital.
The prayer session, dedicated to the repose of his soul, drew dignitaries and thousands of sympathizers from across Nigeria and beyond.
The event was attended by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, former Vice-President Namadi Sambo, Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda, and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Amb. Babagana Kingibe.
Other notable figures included the Emirs of Katsina, Daura, Bade, and the Sultan of Maradi from Niger Republic, as well as former Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, SAN, former Governor Aminu Masari, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’adua, former National Security Adviser Babagana Munguno, and business magnate Alhaji Mohammed Indimi.
The prayer session, opened by former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy Prof. Ali Pantami, emphasized the importance of continuous prayers for the departed.
“Prayer for the deceased should not be limited to a few days,” Pantami urged.
Islamic scholars, including Prof. Ibrahim Makari, Sheikh Yahaya Jingir, and Khalifa Mohammad Nasir, also led prayers, alongside Bishop Mamman Musa of Katsina.
Vice-President Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu, reflected on Buhari’s legacy, stating, “President Muhammadu Buhari pursued justice with sincerity, often misunderstood but always steadfast. In death, he has proven to be Africa’s greatest son.”
He added, “May Allah grant him Aljannah and forgive his shortcomings.”
Shettima expressed gratitude to Governor Radda for his support, noting, “The governor has been with us from London to Nigeria, providing exceptional hospitality.”
Governor Radda praised Buhari’s selfless service, saying, “No one can dispute his honesty and commitment to justice.”
He thanked President Tinubu for honoring Buhari, adding, “The presence of 25 ministers, led by Vice-President Shettima, reflects the compassion and respect shown to Katsina and Nigeria.”
Minister of State for Agriculture, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, prayed for divine mercy on Buhari’s soul, while Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, described Buhari as a towering figure in Nigeria’s history.
“He belonged to Daura, Katsina, Nigeria, and the world,” Idris said, urging Nigerians to continue praying for him.
Shettima announced that he would accompany Buhari’s family to Abuja for a special valedictory Federal Executive Council session in the late president’s honor.
Recalled that President Tinubu declared a public holiday on the day Buhari was laid to rest, underscoring his national significance. (NAN)
