• Condoles with Abubakar over sister’s demise
• Niger dep gov mourns too
President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, joined in the celebration of His Eminence, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, the Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, as he marks his 80th birthday.
Onaiyekan, who was Archbishop of Abuja from 1994 to 2019, also served as President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), as well as that of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), having earlier served as Bishop of Ilorin Diocese.
In a statement by his spokesman, AjuriNgelale, the President celebrated the religious leader, who used his calling to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and fought for the downtrodden.
Tinubu commended His Eminence for the sacrifices and efforts in peace-building over the years, assuring him that his hope and prayers for a glorious and united Nigeria would be made manifest.
Also, Tinubu expressed sadness over the news of the passing of Salamatu Asabe, younger sister to former Head of State, Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd).
He condoled with the Abubakar family and all who mourn the painful loss.
Praying that the family is comforted by the deceased’s legacy and the beautiful memories she left behind, Tinubu added: “General, please accept my sympathy and condolences. My prayers are with you at this time of mourning. May Almighty Allah grant Asabe Aljannah firdaus.”
In the same vein, Deputy Governor of Niger State, Yakubu Garba, condoled with Abubakar over the death.Garba, in a statement by his Press Secretary, Ummikhaltume Kuta, yesterday, in Minna, noted that the woman died while battling an undisclosed illness in Abuja.
He described the death as a great loss, not only to the family but to the state at large.
The deputy governor expressed regret that Asabe died when her advice and contributions were needed most for the developmental strides of the Governor Umaru Bago administration.
While urging the family to take the loss as an act of God, he prayed to God to grant the deceased eternal rest and give the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
The deputy governor also expressed shock over the demise of former President of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in the state, Ibrahim Matane.
According to him, the death of the former NULGE leader was a great loss to the labour family, the state and the country at large, considering the role he played during his reign to ensure the welfare of local government workers.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Matane died at IBBU Specialist Hospital, Minna, while battling a protracted illness.
