FG, APC, opposition leaders rally around Yari in grief

By David Lawani, Abuja

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, on Thursday led a high-powered Federal Government delegation to Talata Mafara, Zamfara State, to condole with the Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari, over the death of his maternal aunt, Hajiya Rukiya Jibril.

Hajiya Rukiya was the immediate younger sister of Yari’s mother.

Akume, who delivered a condolence message from President Bola Tinubu, assured Yari and members of his family that the Federal Government stood with them during the period of mourning.

The SGF described death as a transition and a return to Allah, saying it occurred according to divine will and wisdom.

He urged the bereaved family to draw strength from their faith and the knowledge that the deceased had completed her earthly journey and returned to her Creator.

Akume prayed to Allah to forgive the deceased’s sins, accept her good deeds and grant her eternal mercy and a place among the righteous.

Responding, Yari expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu for the gesture of compassion and solidarity extended to him and his family.

He also thanked Akume and members of the delegation for travelling to Talata Mafara to personally honour his late aunt and stand with the family during their mourning.

Yari described the visit as a source of comfort, encouragement and strength to him and the entire family.

He prayed for Allah’s continued guidance, protection and blessings upon the SGF, members of the delegation, President Tinubu and the Federal Government.

The former Zamfara governor also appealed to Nigerians to remember his late maternal aunt in their prayers, asking them to seek Allah’s forgiveness, mercy and peaceful repose for her soul.

Members of the Federal Government delegation included Niger State Governor, Umar Bago; National Secretary of the APC, Senator Ajibola Bashiru; former Imo State Governor, Senator Rochas Okorocha; and former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, among others.

The condolence visit also attracted prominent figures from opposition political parties, underscoring the broad political relationships surrounding Yari.

Former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, accompanied by Senator Abdul Ningi, represented the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Similarly, Senator Tony Nwoye led members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) delegation to the condolence visit.