Jonathan, Obasanjo, Buhari mourn former IG, MD Yusuf

PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday extended his heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Katsina State on the death of one of their most illustrious sons, and a former Inspector-General (IG) of Police, Alhaji Muhammadu Dikko Yusuf.

In a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati, Jonathan also commiserated with Yusuf’s immediate family members as well as the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) on the demise of the respected leader of the cultural and political association.

“The President shared their grief as they mourn the eminent Nigerian who served his country dutifully throughout his successful career in the Nigeria Police, and later on, as a political leader and elder statesman.

“The President believes that MD Yusuf, as he was fondly called by his friends and associates, will long be remembered for his outstanding political courage and exemplary determination during Nigeria’s transition to democracy after years of military rule”, the statement said.

Also, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has described the late Yusuf as an honest and sincere Nigerian who contributed in no small measure to the upliftment of ethical standard in the Nigeria Police.

In a letter of condolence he addressed to the deceased family, Obasanjo said Nigeria had lost a remarkable man who served the nation with devotion and diligence.

He said: “I write on behalf of my family and on my own behalf to commiserate with you and the entire Yusuf family on the transition of your father, Alhaji Muhammadu Dikko Yusuf, retired Inspector-General of Police.

“Our nation has lost a remarkable man who served the nation with devotion and diligence in his chosen profession. His service in the Nigeria Police Force was distinguished by high ethical and professional standard. He was an epitome of humility and quiet dignity both in service and retirement, even though he rose to the highest rank of the Force.”

In the same vein, the President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, has described the death of the former Inspector-General Yusuf as a great loss to Nigeria’s democratic struggle.

Reacting to the demise of Yusuf in a statement signed on his behalf by Director, Directorate of Media and Publicity of All Progressives Congress (APC), Garba Shehu in Abuja, the President-elect noted with deep regret that Yusuf died at a point his valuable advice was still badly needed by Nigerian leaders.

According to Buhari, despite the constriction of the democratic space, the late MD Yusuf was the only politician who established his own political party to challenge a military self-succession agenda.

He prayed to Allah to forgive Yusuf’s shortcomings and reward his good deeds with Aljannah (Paradise).