Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Wednesday led a delegation from the National Assembly to Daura, Katsina State, to offer condolences to Governor Dikko Radda following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
During the visit, Senator Akpabio described the late president as “a patriot, a man of integrity, and a shining light who served Nigeria both as a military ruler and a democratically elected president.”
He explained that the delegation had faced travel difficulties the previous day, as their flight was unable to land due to the airport’s closure. The plane circled for over two hours before diverting to Abuja.
“We insisted on returning today to honour a man who gave everything for Nigeria,” Akpabio stated.
Akpabio, who previously served as a minister under Buhari, said the late president’s legacy embodied discipline, humility, and love for the country.
He also recalled his personal connection to Katsina State, referencing the establishment of the Faculty of Law at the Federal University, Dutsin-Ma. He revealed that he had insisted the faculty be named after Buhari rather than himself.
Senator Akpabio commended Governor Radda’s leadership and highlighted the historic bond between Akwa Ibom and Katsina states, both of which were created on the same day.
“Development doesn’t come from money alone—it comes from love for the people,” he remarked.
In his response, Governor Radda expressed gratitude to the delegation and spoke of his close relationship with the late president.
“Since his retirement, I visited Baba every two to three weeks. He consistently reminded me to fear God, lead justly, and love this country,” Radda said.
He described Buhari as seemingly reserved from afar, but warm and inspiring in person.
“His passing is a profound loss to Katsina, to Nigeria, and to all of us who saw him as a father figure,” he added.
On behalf of the Katsina State government and its people, Governor Radda thanked the National Assembly delegation for their condolence visit.
The delegation included Chief Whip Senator Tahir Munguno, Senator Ali Ndume, Senator Saliu Mustapha, Senator Benson Agadaga, Senator Munir, Senator Sani Zangon Daura Jr., and Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong.
