Sympathisers have continued to troop to the residence of late Marafan Sokoto, Alhaji Umaru Shinkafi who died in a London hospital last Wednesday.
Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar and wife of the President, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, were among the dignitaries to visit Sokoto on Saturday for the condolence.
Other personalities included Governors Aminu Masari of Katsina State and Rochas Okorocha of Imo State. Also at the family residence of the deceased were media personality and publisher of THISDAY newspaper, Mr. Nduka Obaigbena, and Galadiman Katsina, retired Justice Mamman Nasir, as well as factional chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ahmed Makarfi.
Speaking when he paid a condolence visit to the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, Abdulsalami described the deceased as a committed Nigerian who gave his all for the unity and stability of the nation.
“Marafa contributed a lot for this country and I pray to God to reward him for his endeavours,” he added.
While urging Nigerians not to despair over the current challenges facing the country, Abdulsalami urged them to be patient and prayerful as according to him, there was silver linen in the horizon.
He also expressed the condolence of former military President, Ibrahim Babangida, who he said could not travel to Sokoto due to unforseen issues.
Responding, the Sultan commended the two former leaders for identifying with the people of Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi states in their times of need, and prayed God to reward them accordingly.
Speaking with reporters at the airport, Okorocha said Shinkafi treated all Nigerians with dignity and respect, while at the same time setting example in conduct which the younger generation should emulate.
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