Northern Governors Mourn Ex-Finance Minister, Sardaunan Of Sokoto Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji

The Northern Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NNGF) has expressed grief over the death of former Minister of Finance and Sardaunan Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, describing his passing as a major loss to Northern Nigeria and the country.

In a condolence message issued on Thursday by his spokesperson, Ismaila Uba Misilli, the Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, said the late elder statesman made immense contributions to national development through decades of distinguished public service.

Governor Yahaya noted that Abubakar Alhaji served with distinction as Minister of National Planning before becoming Minister of Finance during the administration of former military President Ibrahim Babangida, where he played key roles in shaping Nigeria’s economic policies.

He added that the late statesman later served as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom in 1992, continuing his record of service with honour and distinction.

The NNGF chairman also paid tribute to Abubakar Alhaji’s heritage as a direct descendant of Shehu Usmanu Danfodiyo, saying he remained a respected custodian of the values and traditions of the Sokoto Caliphate throughout his lifetime.

He described the former minister’s death as a huge loss to his family, the people of Sokoto State, Northern Nigeria and the nation, which benefited from his vast experience, exemplary leadership and wise counsel.

On behalf of the governors of the 19 Northern states, Yahaya extended condolences to the family of the deceased, the Sultan of Sokoto, the Sokoto Caliphate, the Government and people of Sokoto State, and Nigerians at large, praying for the peaceful repose of the late statesman’s soul.