Vice President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday described the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari as a significant loss to Nigeria and the entire African continent.
He made the remarks during a condolence visit to Buhari’s residence in Daura, Katsina State, following a brief prayer for the repose of the former president’s soul.
According to Shettima, condolences have poured in from across the globe, with many reaching out to President Bola Tinubu to express sympathy over the death of the elder statesman.
“The President was deeply pained by the loss. He sent me to London earlier to visit the late President. I spent two days there, and when he passed away, the President directed me and the Chief of Staff to accompany the family and return the body to Nigeria,” Shettima stated.
He further announced that, in consultation with President Tinubu, the Buhari family, and the Katsina State Government, it had been agreed that a collective prayer would be held at noon on Thursday for the soul of the late president.
Quoting from Islamic teachings, Shettima said, “Every soul shall taste death. It is a fate that hangs over every neck, and we are all merely travellers waiting with our bags and baggage for the train.”
He prayed for Allah’s mercy upon the soul of the late president, asking that he be granted Al-Jannah Firdaus and that his family be protected and comforted.
The Vice President noted that Buhari was no ordinary man, and that Nigerians from all walks of life are welcome to pay their respects to the family and the people of Katsina State.
“The Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, and members of the late President’s family will remain in Daura to receive sympathisers. However, the formal mourning period will conclude tomorrow, in line with discussions with President Tinubu, the family, and the state government,” he explained.
Governor Dikko Radda described Buhari’s passing as a profound loss for the people of Katsina, Nigeria, and the African continent at large.
He called on leaders at all levels to uphold Buhari’s legacy by promoting transparency, honesty, and accountability in governance, stating, “Buhari lived and died for the people.”
Radda urged Nigerians to continue praying for the peaceful repose of the late president’s soul and thanked President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for attending the burial and standing with the people of Katsina.
Also speaking, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, praised the virtues of the late Nigerian leader.
“We are here to pray for the repose of the soul of our former president, Muhammadu Buhari. May Allah accept his soul,” Idris said. “He was buried yesterday in his compound, witnessed by people from all walks of life, including President Tinubu.”
He added that the gathering was both a condolence visit and an opportunity to offer prayers in Buhari’s honour.