… Former VP Atiku Described Deceased Traditional Ruler As Great
BEVERLY HILLS, CA, May 28, (THEWILL) – President Goodluck Jonathan in a statement Wednesday said he received with great sadness, news of the passing away in London Tuesday of the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Shehu Abubakar.
On behalf of himself and the Federal Government, President Jonathan extends sincere condolences to Governor Ibrahim Dankwanbo and the people of Gombe State, especially the people of the Gombe Emirate who the late Emir ruled with immense wisdom and dedication for many years, the statement by Reuben Abati, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity said.
“Recalling with appreciation the warm reception and courtesies extended to him and his delegation by the late Emir during his visit to Gombe for the North-East Economic Summit in December last year, the President joins the government and people of Gombe in mourning Alhaji Shehu who will be greatly missed by his people and all who knew him,” Abati said.
President Jonathan also commiserated with the Chairman of the National Conference, Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi, whose wife, Mariama Kutigi, passed away yesterday and the Publisher of Vanguard newspaper, Mr. Sam Amuka-Pemu, on the recent death of his mother, Mrs. Teshoma Amuka-Pemu.
“The President prays that God Almighty will comfort both families and grant them the fortitude to bear the loss of the matriarchs who played very commendable roles in improving the lives of their family members and communities,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has described the late Emir of Gombe, as a great traditional ruler, who fully identified with the aspirations and development of his people during his 30-year eventful reign.
In a tribute to the deceased released by his media office in Abuja, the former Vice President recalled that throughout his remarkable reign, the late Shehu Abubakar took passionate interest in issues such as education, which are integral components of development.
Atiku also recalled the late Shehu Abubakar’s contributions to Nigeria’s political and democratic developments. As a delegate to the 2005 National Political Reform Conference, Atiku said the late Emir of Gombe played a significant part in Nigeria’s political affairs.
While condoling with the family, the people and the government of Gombe State over the former vice president urged other leaders to follow the example of the deceased by identifying with their people and their aspirations.
